Welcome to GaryOS

GaryOS Icon “The one file that does it all.”
Latest v8.0 2024-05-16Kernel, Rootfs, Boot, Disk
Homepage http://www.garybgenett.net/projects/gary-os
Download https://sourceforge.net/projects/gary-os
Source https://github.com/garybgenett/gary-os
Documentation
Overview Quick Start, Requirements, Support
Booting Linux, Windows, GRUB, EFI, PXE, Virtual
Running Networking, GUI, Update, Filesystem
Building Compile, Manage, Image, Install
Information
Goals Design, Builder, Loader
Project References, Contributing, Licensing
Details Versioning, Repository, Tools, Ecosystem
Release Process, Checklist, Publish
Versions v8.0 2024-05-16, v7.0 2023-01-14, v6.0 2021-09-12, (…)

Documentation

Overview

GaryOS is an entire GNU/Linux system in a single bootable file. It is also a Builder system to create and package Gentoo installations.

Builder creates custom root filesystems that GaryOS can load into memory in place of its own. GaryOS can build new or updated versions of itself from within itself.

Key features:

  • Optimized source-based Gentoo system with GNU toolchain
  • Fast in-memory filesystem does not require a physical device
  • Can be booted from anywhere a Linux Kernel can
  • Upgrades are as simple as replacing the file

Primary uses:

  • System rescue and recovery
  • Anonymous and secure workstation
  • GNU/Linux learning environment
  • Installation of Gentoo

Unique advantages:

  • Source-based distributions are more flexible and powerful than binary ones
  • A single Kernel file is easier to manage and boot than an ISO image
  • GaryOS is stored on media as a resident of it, not the purpose of it

No other GNU/Linux distribution takes the same approach or has the same features as GaryOS.

GaryOS CLI Screenshot