Why (re-)building a distribution

  For fun and learning
 

Building ROCK Linux can be fun becouse ...
  • a lot of people just like it

Building ROCK Linux can be learning becouse ...

  • the build scripts are small, simple and easy to read
  • it's easy to 'just try' something and see the results

 

  Optimization
 

Rebuilding ROCK Linux allows you to ...
  • optimize your entire distribution for your CPU
  • optimize everything using a special compiler (like pgcc)
  • use any compiler options you want without modifing any package

 

  Extending and/or adopting it
 

 

  Testing of new software
 

A ROCK Linux rebuild can be used to test ...
  • a new kernel
  • a new C-Library or other libraries
  • a new compiler or binutils

 

  Porting to new architectures
 

The automated rebuild system helps a lot with porting Linux to new architectures.

ROCK Linux has allready been ported to

  • Intel ia32 CPUs and compatibles
  • Digital (Compaq) Alpha AXP CPUs
  • PowerPC (Macintosh and RS/6000)
We are working on ports to
  • SUN Sparc CPUs
  • Silicon Graphics MIPS CPUs

 

ROCK Linux: www.rocklinux.orgCopyright © 1998-2001 Clifford Wolf