FLOPPINUX is a complete Linux distribution that fits on a single 1.44MB floppy disk. Think of it as Linux From Scratch but for making single floppy distribution. It boots directly into a working Linux terminal with persistent storage and essential tools.
This is a fully functional Linux distribution designed to run on minimal hardware. It supports all 32-bit x86 CPUs since Intel 486DX and requires only 20MB of RAM. It’s designed for reviving old hardware, embedded systems, or educational purposes.
Key Features
- Fits on a single 1.44MB floppy disk.
- Latest Linux kernel (6.14.11) with i486 support. The Linux kernel dropped i486 support in 6.15 (released May 2025).
- Vi text editor and essential file manipulation tools.
- Support for simple scripting.
- 264KB persistent storage for your files.
- Works on real hardware and emulation.
- Fully customizable and hackable.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Intel 486DX 33MHz processor.
- 20MB RAM.
- 3.5″ floppy disk drive.
| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | - |
| Init Software: | - |
| Package Management: | - |
| Release Model: | Fixed |
| Platforms: | 32-bit x86 CPUs |
| Home Page: | github.com/w84death/floppinux |
| Developer: | Krzysztof Krystian Jankowski |
| 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. |
I might did out my old 486, it probably still works.