Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

You need just the Linux kernel and Busybox in order to run Linux with a working shell. 2-4 MB all together I would say. My first Internet router ran a Linux from a 1.44MB disk 15 years ago.



You're in the right ballpark. I ported a network monitoring app to Linux and helped bring Linux up on a custom board a long time ago, and that device had 4MB for the kernel, shell/utilities and the application itself. It fit nicely.


Even a modern OpenWRT distribution still fits in 4MB of flash if you leave out the web interface and only include the basic features.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: