KISS Linux, a new totally independent distro for medium and advanced users

Dylan Araps recently introduced a standalone Linux distribution focused on simplicity and privacy, called KISSLinux. This Linux distro does not take any basis from any distribution, but is a mini-distribution built on the Linux kernel and that it only integrates what is necessary for the operation of this.

The distribution is currently targeting the x86-64 architecture and at the moment it is only in English (although possibly with the passage of time this will change). KISS Linux is a Linux distribution for users who already have some experience with Linux / or Unix systems.

As the packaging system of this new KISS distribution uses a new concept based on a set of text files separated by lines and spaces.

About KISS Linux

Its creator claims that it is easily parsable in any programming language or with standard tools. The package manager works exactly as usual, except there is an additional compilation step for compilation.

In KISS, the build script runs like any other executable file.

As for the package manager of the distribution, it has the options that every package manager has at least for the administration and maintenance of the system.

Of them are:

  • kiss [b | c | i | l | r | s | u] [pkg] [pkg] [pkg]
  • build: Build a package
  • checksum: Generate checksums
  • install: install a package
  • list: list the packages installed on the system
  • remove: remove a package from the system
  • search: search the system for a package
  • update: check for updates

For a programmer, keeping the code simple and readable greatly improves work, but for the same person as a user this time, having a ready-to-use product will likely significantly improve the user experience.

As such, it would not be silly to say that the KISS concept is the most subjective notion that exists in the GNU / Linux universe. To better understand all this, The developer commented on his approach and the reason for the creation of this distribution:

«I was going from distribution to distribution looking for something minimal, simple and well written. Not being satisfied with any of the existing options, I decided to switch to OpenBSD (only to find that it was not compatible with my hardware).

That pushed me to create my own layout, reflecting my beliefs and wishes.

Some people now see ArchLinux as the quintessential KISS Linux distribution, because it is lightweight and really simple, be it from a code or package management system point of view, and because it just provides the bare minimum to work in text.

Others believe that Gentoo deserves this title because it is absolutely necessary to compile everything in it.

However, the developer's point of view is not necessarily that of the end user, and the KISS Linux distribution concept can vary greatly depending on the type of user.

Arch, Gentoo, and all other similar Linux distributions are anything but KISS at the user level.

On the other hand, distros like Linux Mint, Kubuntu, or any other out-of-the-box distro can be considered really KISS because it's easier to turn on the system and have everything under control. without the need to configure, install or create anything.

said Araps, creator and promoter of the project.

KISS Linux Installation

As mentioned at the beginning KISS Linux is not for new users, since it is required to have an average experience with Linux and / or Unix. KISS Linux installation is somewhat similar to Gentoo being installed in stage 3 (tarballs)

Since KISS does not currently support booting via an initramfs, so the user must configure their kernel.

The developer comments that uses a file containing a complete KISS system minus the bootloader and kernel and that an existing Linux distribution will be needed to use as a base for installation.

The installation guide can be consulted In the following link.


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  1.   Jacob tuz said

    "As mentioned at the beginning, KISS Linux is not for new users" so it doesn't promote what it preaches much.