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.

Hello everyone!

I’d like to share my new project with you. It’s unrelated to MiniOS, but I think many of you might find it interesting. I’ve started developing a fork of Stable Diffusion Android (SDAI) called Pocket Diffusion Android (PDAI).

This app is designed for AI image generation, supporting both popular APIs and local generation on PCs and smartphones.

I decided to develop a separate fork because the architectural changes became too extensive to merge into the original SDAI. This allowed me to avoid compromises and implement features that were missing.

Key changes in PDAI 0.7.0 compared to SDAI 0.6.8:

* Local generation support via Qualcomm QNN. Adapted from the Local Dream app, this feature leverages hardware acceleration (NPU) on smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips and newer, delivering high-speed on-device generation.
* Redesigned Gallery. The interface for viewing images and managing generation history is now more functional and user-friendly.
* Improved Inpaint. Tools for partial image editing in img2img mode have been refined.
* Fal AI Support. Added the ability to generate images via the Fal AI service API.

This is an open-source project. You can download the APK via the link below:

https://pdai.minios.dev

Demonstration of local QNN generation on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3.

Release Notes v5.1.1

This release focuses on bug fixes, improvements in Secure Boot support, and enhancements to the build system and configuration.

1. Critical Bug Fixes
- Fixed live-config component execution error that prevented proper system initialization
- Corrected session manager default size calculation and filesystem operations
- Fixed installer integration with configurator and boot menu language detection
- Resolved Ventoy compatibility issues across multiple tools

2. Build System and Code Quality Optimization
- Refined Secure Boot support with improved lockdown mode detection in minioslib and GRUB configuration
- Enhanced Dracut integration as a primary initramfs builder with automatic detection
- Improved unmounting process with lazy unmount fallback and resource release delay
- Refactored package list for XFCE desktop, removing unnecessary dependencies
- Updated ntfs3-dkms and realtek-rtl8723cs-dkms dependencies
- Added locale cleanup for Ubuntu and updated pulseaudio condition

3. MiniOS Tools (minios-tools package)
- Enhanced lightdm configuration to dynamically detect and set autologin session
- Updated lightdm-gtk-greeter configuration to set font size, add indicators, and update default user image format
- Added locale, timezone, and keyboard parameters to kernel command line in GRUB config
- Improved Ventoy compatibility across all tools with new cleanup function

4. System Components
- Enhanced live-config components to support default Debian Live paths alongside MiniOS paths
- Added conditional font loading in GRUB based on lockdown status
- Fixed execution errors in configuration scripts

Hello everyone!

Previously, we planned to create a module store, and for this purpose, the MiniOS family of distributions included the Puzzle edition - a minimal base system with a pre-installed set of modules.

Unfortunately, the rapid development of MiniOS leads to significant changes in the base system between releases, making it almost impossible to maintain a repository of ready-made modules - modules quickly become outdated.

However, there is a more resilient solution: to create a public repository of scripts for building modules using the script2sb utility.

script2sb is included in the standard set of MiniOS utilities. It takes a script as input, builds a module, and is practically independent of the base system version. This means that a script written once (for example, to build Chrome) will work on all future MiniOS versions without modification.

I suggest we start collaborating on such a script repository. We can work together to collect, test, and improve scripts for the most popular applications and utilities.

If the repository grows large enough and becomes truly useful, I am ready to write a simple graphical application for it - so that even users who don’t like the console can easily select and build the necessary modules with one click.

What do you think about this idea? Are you willing to participate in creating scripts or do you have suggestions for organizing the repository? Let’s discuss!

Our Official Blog is Now Live!

Hello, friends!

Our website currently receives over 1,500 unique daily visits, and this number is growing every month. We've already come a long way to improving your MiniOS experience: in addition to a simple page where you can get initial information about the system and download distributions, we now have [documentation\](https://minios.dev/docs). We've filled this section with detailed articles covering virtually every technical aspect of working with the system.

Read: https://minios.dev/blog/our-official-blog-is-now-live

By the way, you may notice that the blog has been translated into eight different languages. The new site engine I've been working on lately allows me to quickly translate its interface and publications into any language. The only question that remains is whether it makes sense to do so. I can translate the site into any language in a couple of minutes, but only if the audience reading in that language is large enough to make it worthwhile.

In the future, I plan to extend this approach to translations of applications in the system. In the system download menu, you will only see translations into the languages most popular with users, so as not to make the menu endlessly huge. As soon as I see interest in MiniOS in a particular country, I will expand language support.

If you are unlucky and the MiniOS application website is not translated into your language, you can influence this by publishing a review on a website that is popular in your country.

Peace to all! Use MiniOS, because it gives us the incentive to develop the project, making it better and better.

I think it would be unnecessary to add anything to this image. But I look forward to your comments.

The app store will be available in a future version of MiniOS, but you can already try it out on version 5.1.1 by installing the necessary packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install minios-store*