Hello everyone!
We need to quickly test audio performance on various hardware in the new version of MiniOS for public testing. Particular attention should be paid to Bluetooth audio performance. The release date of the final version will depend on the test results.

https://github.com/minios-linux/minios-live/releases/tag/v5.1.0-rc1

This issue directly relates to a bug where Ultra does not display the network icon until the network is connected. It turns out that this is the result of the absence of bridge icons used by Docker. Even if icons are added to the icon theme, the user will be misled, as the network will be absent, but the icon will display an active network, since the docker0 bridge is active. Therefore, we now have a serious dilemma about what to do next.

UPD: I'm not even sure that such icons exist in nature, since they are not present in the original NM source code.

MiniOS 5.1 is almost ready and is undergoing internal testing. In the meantime, you can check out the changelog.

I would be very grateful if you voted for the channel. This will enable automatic channel translation for everyone again.

https://t.me/boost/minios_news

Due to a minor bug in minios-cmd, all MiniOS 5.1 releases were built with an experimental Dracut-based initrd implementation. I really hope it works reliably, as we haven't tested it enough yet and weren't planning on adding it to the release😅

Because of Dracut, the initrd and overall system image take up 10 MB more space, but the system boots about 10 seconds faster.

Today or tomorrow, I will publish more exclusive versions of MiniOS for channel subscribers: MiniOS Flux 5.1.1 and MiniOS 5.1 based on older versions of Debian, including 32-bit images.

I think it will take a little longer, since each image needs to be tested, and there will be quite a lot of them.

MiniOS 5.1 + MiniOS Flux 5.1.1
A complete collection of distributions based on Debian 10, 11, 12, 13, Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04.

Guide to Activating Extended Support Ubuntu Pro (ESM)

Ubuntu Pro provides Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for older Ubuntu versions, including Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (supported until 2028).

What is Ubuntu Pro

Ubuntu Pro is *free for personal use* (up to 5 machines) and provides:
• Security updates for main and universe repositories
• Extended support for 10 years for LTS versions
• Access to additional security tools

Registration and Getting a Token

1. Go to: https://ubuntu.com/pro
2. Click "Get Ubuntu Pro" or "Sign up"
3. Sign in with your Ubuntu One account or create a new one
4. After signing in, get your subscription token from the dashboard

Activating Ubuntu Pro

Method 1: Using pro attach command

sudo pro attach [YOUR-TOKEN]

Replace [YOUR-TOKEN] with your subscription token.

Method 2: Step-by-step activation

1. Update your system:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

2. Install ubuntu-advantage-tools (if not installed):

sudo apt install ubuntu-advantage-tools

3. Check service availability:

sudo pro status

4. Attach your token:

sudo pro attach [YOUR-TOKEN]

Verifying Activation

After activation, check the status:

sudo pro status

You should see activated services:
• *esm-infra* - updates for main repository (enabled)
• *esm-apps* - updates for universe repository (enabled)
• *livepatch* - live kernel patching without reboot

Enabling Additional Services

Enable all available security services:

sudo pro enable esm-infra
sudo pro enable esm-apps
sudo pro enable livepatch

Enable only ESM updates:

sudo pro enable esm-infra
sudo pro enable esm-apps

Updating System with ESM

After activating Ubuntu Pro, update your system as usual:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

You will now receive security updates from ESM repositories.

Checking ESM Updates

View available ESM updates:

sudo pro security-status

Check a specific package:

apt-cache policy [package-name]

Disabling Ubuntu Pro (if needed)

sudo pro detach

Automatic Activation via GUI

In Ubuntu 18.04 and newer, an extended support notification may appear when updating:

1. Open "Software & Updates"
2. Go to the "Updates" tab
3. If available, click on the Ubuntu Pro activation link
4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Important Notes

• Ubuntu Pro is *free for personal use* on up to 5 machines
• Registration is required even for the free version
• One token can be used on multiple machines (within the limit)
• ESM updates are only available after activation

Additional Commands

View subscription information:

sudo pro status --all

Refresh client settings:

sudo pro refresh

Automatic subscription attachment:

sudo pro auto-attach

This guide applies to Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, 18.04 LTS, 20.04 LTS, and other LTS versions.

Quick Guide to Rebuilding MiniOS ISO with Different Language

Use sb2iso to rebuild MiniOS ISO with your preferred language.

Supported Languages

en_US ru_RU de_DE es_ES it_IT id_ID pt_BR pt_PT fr_FR

Basic Command

sudo sb2iso --menu LANGUAGE_CODE --name output.iso

Example: Create Russian Version

1. Boot MiniOS live system

2. Run command:

sudo sb2iso --menu ru_RU --name minios_russian.iso

3. Wait for completion

4. Find ISO in current directory

Requirements

• Running MiniOS live system
• Root privileges (sudo)
• 1-4 GB free disk space

Note: If booted with toram, use toram=full parameter at boot.

Some interesting statistics. These are the download numbers for the latest major release of MiniOS. Ultra is the most popular, with Standard trailing slightly behind. Toolbox, however, is unfairly underrated and downloaded significantly less than the minimum and maximum versions. Unfortunately, the addition of torrent downloads hasn't had any impact; the number of downloads is within the margin of error.

Why MiniOS Cannot Be Updated Like a Regular System

Users from other distributions often ask: why can't you simply update MiniOS to a new version? The answer lies in the system's architecture.

Modular Structure

MiniOS consists of separate modules: core, firmware, gui-base, xfce-desktop, firefox. These are not just a collection of packages, but interconnected blocks with strict dependencies on each other. Modules are built sequentially, one on top of another.

When a new version is released, it's not just the set of programs that changes — the version of libraries in core changes, which requires a corresponding update to gui-base, which in turn affects xfce-desktop. The entire chain of modules is built for specific component versions.

Conflict with Installed Packages

Programs installed through the package manager (LibreOffice, GIMP, codecs) are tied to current versions of system libraries. When base modules are replaced, conflicts arise: old packages require one version of libraries, new modules provide different ones.

Attempting to resolve all dependencies turns into a complete system reinstallation with unpredictable results.

What If We Abandoned the Package Manager?

Theoretically, the problem could be solved radically: abandon package installation and use only modules. Create a module repository from which users could download needed software — LibreOffice, GIMP, media players — all in module form.

Advantages of this approach:
- Simple and safe system updates — just replace modules with new versions
- Complete predictability — modules are built and compatible with each other
- No dependency conflicts

Disadvantages:
- Each program must be packaged as a module — this is work for developers
- Limited software selection compared to Debian/Ubuntu repositories
- Users cannot easily build and install programs they need themselves

The package manager provides access to thousands of packages from huge repositories. You can install almost any program in seconds. But for this flexibility, you have to pay with the inability to simply update the system.

Clean Installation = Stability

A new MiniOS release is a new build of modules, where each subsequent one is built with the previous one in mind. A clean installation gives you exactly such a system, without the baggage of old configurations and hidden conflicts.

Yes, it requires time for setup. But in return you get stable and predictable operation with access to a wide selection of software through the package manager.

Support MiniOS on DistroWatch! 🚀

Friends, many of you have already had a chance to test the new version of MiniOS. I hope you enjoyed the changes and updates!

I have a small but important request for you. If you have a minute, please leave a review for MiniOS on DistroWatch:
https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=minios

Why is this important?
While user ratings do not affect our formal position in the ranking (PHR), they play a huge role in the life of the project:

1. Trust for newcomers. People visiting the distro page look at recent reviews first. Your positive or constructive comment helps them decide to try the system.
2. A sign of quality. Activity in the comments shows the Linux world that the project is alive, evolving, and has a real community.
3. Feedback. Your thoughts and impressions inspire us to keep working.

Your honest review is the best way to help build MiniOS's reputation. Thank you for being with us! 🤝

Why MiniOS Is Not "Mini"

If you have ever downloaded MiniOS, you might have asked: *"Wait, if this is Mini, why is the image 500+ MB? Where are my 50 megabytes like in DSL ten years ago?"*

Let’s break down why a modern "mini" distribution has to be heavier and why that is actually good for you.

Foundation: Debian, Not Slackware
An important difference between MiniOS and many other portable systems is the base. While popular competitors (like Porteus or Slax) are often built on Slackware, MiniOS is based on the reliable and familiar Debian.
This means access to a huge repository of .deb packages and stability proven by millions, instead of a "DIY kit for tinkerers." This adds weight, but guarantees you find the software you need in a couple of seconds.

The Era of "Heavy" Software
We live in a world where a simple app can weigh 100 MB. The growth in package sizes is a reality:
* Linux Kernel: It must support thousands of devices. To ensure the flash drive loads on both a 2010 laptop and a modern PC, the kernel needs drivers.
* Dependencies: Convenience requires libraries. A nice interface and fonts require code.

Speed Over Compression: zstd vs xz
Most portable distributions are obsessed with size and compress their modules using the xz algorithm. This saves megabytes but severely slows down the system when unpacking data on the fly.
MiniOS uses zstd compression. Yes, the image turns out slightly larger, but the system and programs launch lightning fast. We do not sacrifice your speed for the sake of a pretty file size number.

Unique Feature: Boot Anywhere
We do not save space on bootloaders. The image simultaneously contains:
* Syslinux: For legacy BIOS.
* GRUB2 x64: For modern UEFI.
* GRUB2 ia32: For finicky tablets with 32-bit UEFI.

You plug the drive into almost any computer, and it *just works*.

Global Language Support
MiniOS retains support for all languages available in Debian, while others strip locales to the bone.
Moreover, full out-of-the-box support is implemented for:
* English
* French
* German
* Indonesian
* Italian
* Portuguese (Brazil & Portugal)
* Russian
* Spanish

The Trap of "Nano-Distros"
Systems under 100 MB are often functionally compromised. Developers cut out Wi-Fi firmware or codecs. You get a system that boots quickly but is unusable without long configuration.

MiniOS does not chase compression records. It weighs exactly as much as it needs to be your fast and reliable "Swiss Army knife" based on Debian.

📦 apt2sb: Making Programs "Immortal"

Many people install software via apt install out of habit. It works, but there is a huge downside: programs settle in the save file (changes). The file bloats, the system might start lagging, and if you ever want a "clean slate," you have to configure everything from scratch.

The Jedi way in MiniOS is creating modules (.sb).

Why is it cool?

🔹 Cleanliness: The system remains pristine. All software is packed into neat archives.
🔹 Mobility: Created a module? Send the file to a friend or move it to another flash drive — it works instantly.
🔹 Safety: Program broke or got boring? Just delete one file from the flash drive. No "leftovers" or junk in the system.

How to create a module with one command?

There is a tool for this called apt2sb. It doesn't just download programs — it pulls all necessary dependencies (libraries) and packs them into a single file.

Example 1: Simple (for a single program)
Want to install the VLC player? Just type:
sudo apt2sb install vlc

Example 2: Advanced (multiple programs + custom name)
Let's say you want to compile an "Office Pack" containing a text editor, spreadsheets, and a calculator, and give the file a nice name.
Use the -n flag to set the name:

sudo apt2sb install libreoffice-writer libreoffice-calc galculator -n my-office-pack

What's next?
1. The script will create a file (e.g., vlc.sb or my-office-pack.sb) right in the current folder.
2. Move this file to the minios/modules/ folder on your flash drive.
3. Be sure to reboot your computer.

The system picks up modules only during the boot stage. After the restart, the programs will appear in the menu automatically, ready to work.

Do you pack software into modules or install everything "live"? 👇

I invite you to visit the updated documentation. The site now has a more modern look, and navigation and information search have become much more convenient.