CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution for the x86-64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is keep it simple, which is reflected in a straightforward tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages. The secondary focus is utilization of new Linux features and recent tools and libraries. CRUX also has a ports system which makes it easy to install and upgrade applications.
CRUX is made with simplicity in mind from beginning to end. Making it easy to create new and update old packages is essential; updating a package in CRUX is often just a matter of typing sudo prt-get update $MYPKG. The usage of ports helps keep your packages up to date; not the latest bleeding-edge-alpha version, but the latest stable version. Other features include packages optimized for your processor, e.g. by compiling with -march=x86-64, and a filesystem uncluttered by files you’ll never use, e.g. /usr/share/doc/*. Lastly, while the CRUX development team strives to introduce new features as soon as they reach stable status, such innovations are carefully screened to ensure that they work in CRUX without drastic changes to the upstream sources or to the rest of the CRUX system.
In short, CRUX might suit you very well if you are:
- A somewhat experienced Linux user who wants a clean and solid Linux distribution as the foundation of your installation.
- Someone who appreciates the challenge of navigating third-party source trees and figuring out what it takes to compile them.
- Someone who has the patience to rebuild large packages on a regular basis.
- Someone who enjoys exploring and discussing with other enthusiasts the intricacies of putting together an operating system.
| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | Openbox |
| Init Software: | SysV |
| Package Management: | TAR.XZ |
| Release Model: | Fixed |
| Platforms: | x86_64 |
| Home Page: | crux.nu |
| Developer: | Juergen Daubert, Matt Housh, Tim Biermann |
| This article is part of our Big List of Active Linux Distributions. |
What's a Linux distribution ("distro")? |
| A distro provides the user with a desktop environment, preloaded applications, and ways to update and maintain the system. Each distro makes different choices, deciding which open source projects to install and provides custom written programs. They can have different philosophies. Some distros are intended for desktop computers, some for servers without a graphical interface, and others for special uses. Because Linux is an open source operating system, combinations of software vary between Linux distros. |