MSI Wind U100 revamp project with Porteus

[DaGloom]

I've been fishing around for an ultra lightweight OS to use with my old MSI Wind U100 Atom and settled on Proteus. However, they don't recommend you install Porteus to your internal SSD yet some folks swear by it so being a total noob i will need your patience to explain what i'm doing...

here's the link to the webapge for the SSD installation: https://forum.porteus.org/viewtopic.php?t=8105

Instructions as follows:

Hi Olaf.
I don't have any troubles with install Porteus on SSD. Porteus works for me fine at my SSD drive.

Try this howto:
1) Boot up from USB with Porteus. Format your internal SSD to ext2 (ext2 is better for SSD).
2) Open terminal and run these commands:

Code: Select all

su
toor
mloop /path/to/porteus.iso
# define a partition with internal SSD
df -h
# where sdXN partition of internal SSD on which you want to install Porteus
cp -a /mnt/loop/* /mnt/sdXN/
sync
cd /mnt/sdXN/boot/
./Porteus-installer-for-Linux.com
# type ok and press Enter
uloop
reboot


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My Questions:

1) # define a partition with internal SSD - Will i be prompted for this? Will i have to create a partition during the installation? If its the only partition is there a standard value to refer to?

2)  # where sdXN partition of internal SSD on which you want to install Porteus - I see the code sdXN but what does it refer to exactly?

3) Code: Select all - So when he says this he means select ALL the code but ENTER all the CORRECT values?

I very new to this so a clear patient explanation would be fantastic!

Many Thanks!

[Keith]

Hi DaGloom - and welcome to the Forum.

This looks like very hard work.  I am not familiar with Porteus but looking around the web it seems it is not originally a Linux OS and some people used WINE (Windows Emulator) to run it. 
However, Linux versions are available that might be much easier to install.  If you are set on Porteus, have a look at https://linux.softpedia.com/get/System/Operating-Systems/Linux-Distributions/Porteus-64578.shtml#disqus_thread. 

There are other Linux operating systems that might be appropriate for your computer.  A good procedure would be to make "Live USBs" of several Linux OS and try them without installing, then install the one that suits you best.  "Bodhi" is often recommended for small computers (https://sourceforge.net/projects/bodhilinux/) and I am sure other Forum members will offer further advice.  It would be helpful if you tell us details about your particular laptop - present operating system, RAM, CPU, speed, SSD, etc. 

Keith

[DaGloom]

Hi,

Thank you for the prompt response.

I've used Debian before and quite enjoyed the experience but i'm not sure its ideal for me. I might try to re-install Crunchbang/++ again as if i recall its based on Debian but i would like to see if i can really get this Porteus up and running. I'm also looking at Puppy Linux but again i'm looking at optimizing an install of Porteus.

My system:

CPU   Intel Atom processor N270 Single Core 1.6Ghz
BIOS   Press DEL to enter
Chipset   Mobile Intel 945GSE
Memory   2GB DDR2 533Mhz SODIMM PC4300 (2 memory slots. Max 2GB)

SSD: Crucial BX500 CT120BX500SSD1(Z) 120 GB Internal SSD (3D NAND, SATA, 2.5 Inch)

I've just looked at the Bodhi Linux information page and it actually looks interesting. But given how lightweight Porteus is i still would like to try it first.

[Keith]

That looks good. 
If the BIOS allows you to boot from a USB or DVD I would strongly suggest creating a "Live USB/DVD" of Porteus as this method avoids a lot of hassle and specialist knowledge. 
The link in my previous post should be helpful but you will find other sources on the web. 

If by "optimising" Porteus you mean doing something fancy then you are out of my league. 

Keith

[DaGloom]

That looks good. 
If the BIOS allows you to boot from a USB or DVD I would strongly suggest creating a "Live USB/DVD" of Porteus as this method avoids a lot of hassle and specialist knowledge. 
The link in my previous post should be helpful but you will find other sources on the web. 

If by "optimising" Porteus you mean doing something fancy then you are out of my league. 

Keith

By optimize I mean just optimize for my system in terms of stability. I don't mean playing around too much with the coding.

But if you could help clarify this part that would be great:
 # where sdXN partition of internal SSD on which you want to install Porteus - I see the code sdXN but what does it refer to exactly?

[Keith]

1. Where exactly do you see the code sdXN?  Is that what you see when examining partitions on your drive? 
2. You didn't mention what operating system you are using - that would also be very helpful. 

In Linux all devices are allocated an "sd" reference, so that sda would be the drive on which the operating system resides, sdb might be a secondary drive or a USB stick, etc.  Partitions on these devices are simply numbered:  sda1, sda2...etc.  So in the instructions that you quote, I am guessing that the "X" is the drive and the "N" is the partition on that drive.  In other words you are expected to provide these values yourself when installing the software. 

This is why I suggest strongly that you go the easy route and simply download the ISO file and use it to create a "Live USB" from which you can try Porteus without committing yourself then, if you are happy, install it. 

Your call.

[DaGloom]

The code is from the the thread/link attached explaining how to install on an SSD.

Currently this a fresh SSD so there is no operating system installed yet. Perhaps it a good idea to test Proteus out first on a USB and decide later.

I think your explanation of the values is clear. Many thanks! I'll test these different OS on this netbook.