********************** LoopLinux Home Page! *************************

This is a small distribution of the linux operating system that can
be installed on and run from a dos system, i.e. msdos, pcdos, drdos,
& win95/98 in dos mode.

It uses the standard linux ext2 filesystem, it can also use a
umsdos filesystem if the kernel supports it.

There's no need to repartition, the linux system will just be a file
on your dos system and act like it was on it's own partition.

If you're not sure you'll be able to boot looplinux on your system
just get 'looplnx.exe' and a kernel, if you can boot the small setup
linux system and have your hard drive detected by 'fdisk', then get
looplnx.tgz.

If you can't boot the small setup linux system there's no point
getting looplnx.tgz.

Before you do anything read "howto.install.looplinux" for
installation instructions.

Read "looplinux.readme" for a overview of the system.

Name Size Date
looplinux.readme 18Kb Dec 10 2000
howto.install.looplinux 8Kb Dec 10 2000
looplnx.lsm 2Kb Dec 10 2000
looplnx.tgz 7027Kb Dec 10 2000
looplnx.exe 1316Kb Dec 18 2000

You need a kernel to boot linux, here's a listing of the kernels
you have to chose from.

After you get a kernel = bzImage, move/rename it to
c:\looplnx\kernel\zimage on your dos/win system.

This is a mirror of looplinux...
http://ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/distributions/looplinux/index.html
ftp://ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/distributions/looplinux

Guides to installing various packages on looplinux...

  • Installing the gcc C & C++ compilers
  • Installing the xfree86 window system
  • Modules (ethernet cards, ppp, printer, sound, etc)
  • Slackware Packages
  • Installing slackware packages
  • Listing of looplnx.tgz contents
  • French looplinux page
  • Loopback-root-fs (HOWTO)
  • Other Stuff -- Rescue floppies etc...
  • e-mail address

  • Gcc

    =====================================================================
    To install the programs required to compile C & C++ source code
    on looplinux, download the packages below 1-9.
    =====================================================================

    (1) egcs.tgz
    (2) binutils.tgz
    (3) gmake.tgz
    (4) bison.tgz
    (5) flex.tgz
    (6) bin86.tgz
    (7) m4.tgz
    (8) libc6-dev_2.2-5.deb 1950K (or later, must have 'dev' in name)
    (9) linuxinc.tgz

    You need package 9 the include files from the kernel source to
    compile anything.

    If you already have the complete kernel source in /usr/src/linux
    or you plan to get it below, then you don't need to get package 9.

    The present stable kernel source is v2.2, the next will be v2.4.

    See what the LATEST is 'linux-2.2.14.tar.gz' etc.
    They may have tar.bz2 compressed kernels, they are smaller.

    If you want to know how to compile a kernel for looplinux, read
    /usr/doc/guides/kernel-guide on looplinux.


    Xfree86

    =====================================================================
    To install the xfree86 window system on looplinux, you'll need to
    download at least packages 1-6 below.
    =====================================================================

    =====================================================================
    You should have at least a 486dx cpu (preferably a pentium) and 16mb
    of memory (preferably 32) to run x windows.
    =====================================================================

    (1) xbin.tgz
    (2) xlib.tgz
    (3) xfnts.tgz
    (4) xcfg.tgz
    (5) xpm.tgz
    (6) A server that supports your graphics card.

    Pick a server that will support your graphics card, you only need
    one.

    If you don't think there's support for your graphics card, there's
    no point getting any of the packages on this page.

    If you're not sure which server supports your graphics card post to
    the x newsgroup, give a brief description of your card and ask what
    x server will support it on your libc6 linux system.

    Sometimes there are servers available on the net that are not
    listed below, that may support your graphics card.

    comp.os.linux.x "xfree86 linux newsgroup"
    =====================================================================

    The following x servers are for PC/AT hardware.
    Choose the one which supports your graphics card.

    x3dl.tgz ....... 3Dlabs server
    x8514.tgz ...... 8514/A server
    xagx.tgz ....... AGX server
    xxfb.tgz ....... Frame buffer server
    xi128.tgz ...... I128 server
    xma32.tgz ...... Mach 32 server
    xma64.tgz ...... Mach 64 server
    xma8.tgz ....... Mach 8 server
    xmono.tgz ...... Mono server
    xp9k.tgz ....... P9000 server
    xs3.tgz ........ S3 server
    xs3v.tgz ....... old S3 ViRGE server (Use SVGA server instead)
    xsvga.tgz ...... SVGA server
    xvg16.tgz ...... 16 colour VGA server (XF86Setup uses this server)
    xw32.tgz ....... ET4000/W32, ET6000 server

    If you have a SiS AGP 300 or 530 - 6326 based card, you can get a
    server for it here.

    I have one of these, it's a chipset on the motherboard.
    You should make this X link to it after you run 'xf86config'.
    # cd /usr/X11R6/bin
    # ln -sf XFCom_SiS X
    =====================================================================

    This is a cardlist and the servers that support them, it may be
    of help in chosing the server above that supports your card.

    This is the xfree86 home page, it has more docs like the FAQ.

    After all the packages are installed you have to configure xfree86.
    You have to answer the questions the best you can.
    Read /usr/doc/guides/x.config.guide.

    # xf86config "Configure xfree86 window system"

    # startx "Start xfree86 window system"

    If X doesn't start up the first time, you probably didn't answer
    a question or questions correctly, this is not unusual, run
    xf86config again and answer the questions again.

    Just take note of any messages that might give you a clue as to
    what the problem might be, and try to correct it when you run
    xf86config again.

    You should run 'comset' to create a symbolic link /dev/mouse
    that points to your mouse device.
    # comset

    X windows won't start if /dev/mouse points to the wrong device.
    If you have a ps2 mouse, make this link.
    # ln -sf /dev/psaux /dev/mouse

    These are some other x packages you may want to install, they are
    optional.

    Docs and man pages for the xfree86 programs.
    xdoc.tgz
    xman.tgz

    The x header files, if you want to compile any x
    programs you'll need these otherwise you don't.
    xprog.tgz

    If you want the ability to view postscript files in x, get
    ghostscr.tgz, gs_x11.tgz, and gv.tgz.

    The gnome x window desktop environment, there are more add on
    packages in the gtk1 directory.

    The kde x window desktop environment, there are more add on packages
    in the kde1 directory.

    The netscape browser and the fvwm95 window manager.

    netscape.tgz
    fvwm95.tgz

    Netscape and kde require (libstdc++.so.2) it's in the (cxxlibs.tgz)
    package. Add this line to the /etc/ld.so.conf file.
    /usr/i386-slackware-linux/lib


    Modules

    =====================================================================
    Modules support various things that may not be supported in the
    kernel, like ethernet cards, ppp, slip, printer, sound, etc.
    =====================================================================

    There's support for a lot of things in the form of modules.

    You can get any modules you want at the slackware site below
    in the 2.x.x (block cdrom fs ipv4 misc net scsi) directories.

    For (PPP) support you need "ppp.o slhc.o" in 2.x.x/net.
    For (SLIP) support you need "slip.o slhc.o" in 2.x.x/net.
    For (PRINTER) support you need "lp.o parport.o parport_pc.o"
    in 2.x.x/misc.

    Put any modules in /lib/modules/kernel_version/ (net misc cdrom fs
    scsi) on looplinux.

    If the kernel version you're running is 2.2.13 the module should
    be 2.2.13 also etc, put the module in /lib/modules/2.2.13/net etc.
    # uname -r "See kernel version"
    2.2.13

    Create any required module directories like this.
    # mkdir -p /lib/modules/2.2.13/net (etc)

    Run 'depmod -a' after you install any modules.
    # depmod -a
    Load the module, don't include the '.o' suffix.
    # modprobe module_name

    If you want any module loaded at boot time, remove the # from
    the line in /etc/rc.d/rc.modules that loads the module.

    To load the ppp module at boot time, have this line in rc.modules.

    /sbin/modprobe ppp

    To load the lp module at boot time, have these lines in rc.modules.

    /sbin/modprobe parport_pc
    /sbin/modprobe lp

    This is a listing of ethernet card modules and an explanation of
    how to install and setup a ethernet card on looplinux.

    If you want support for a iomega zip drive.

    If you want to know what other modules a module depends on, if any,
    look at the 'modules dep' file in the 2.x.x directory at the slackware
    modules site above.

    For example, the sound blaster module 'sb.o' depends on these modules.
    /lib/modules/2.2.13/misc/sb.o: /lib/modules/2.2.13/misc/soundcore.o
    /lib/modules/2.2.13/misc/uart401.o /lib/modules/2.2.13/misc/sound.o


    Packages

    =====================================================================
    There are many slackware packages you can install on looplinux.
    =====================================================================

    There are many packages at the slackware site below in the
    a1-y1 directories.

    Read FILE_LIST at the site below for a brief listing of the
    packages in directories a1-y1.

    Read PACKAGES.TXT for a little description of each package.

    For a complete list of the contents of each package, read
    MANIFEST.gz at the slackware site below.

    The slackware package browser has the contents of PACKAGES.TXT
    in a searchable url link form.

    Only get a package from slackware 7.1 or later.

    You can get third party slackware packages here.

    =====================================================================
    These are just some of the available slackware packages.
    =====================================================================

    This package contains libraries that may be required by some
    slackware packages you install.

    libgdbm.so libgpm.so libjpeg.so libncurses.so libpng.so
    libreadline.so libslang.so libvga.so libvgagl.so libz.so etc.

    If you have any pcmcia device (ethernet card, modem, etc) you'll
    need this package.

    Two vi clone editors (elvis and vim "non x window version",
    requires elflibs.tgz above).

    The man page format programs (groff) etc.

    The (man) program for use with (groff) above.

    Texinfo package (makeinfo and info), if you get groff above you'll
    probably want to get this also.

    The jed editor (requires libslang.so from elflibs.tgz above).

    The printer programs lpd, lpr, etc, if you have a printer get
    lpr.tgz and apsfilt.tgz.

    You may also need to install ghostscript if you have a printer
    or want the ability to view postscript files.

    The perl and python programming languages (requires libgdbm.so
    from elflibs.tgz above).

    The networking server daemons (in.ftpd in.telnetd in.fingerd
    in.inetd in.talkd in.identd etc).

    More networking programs (ipchains ipmasqadm dhclient dhcpcd etc.)
    for setting up ip masquerading etc.

    The tcl scripting language and the tk toolkit.

    =====================================================================
    There are a lot of very big slackware packages like (kde & netscape),
    if you have a cdrom drive it's best to get a slackware distribution
    on cdrom, you can get one for $2-4 dollars from a number of places
    on the net.
    =====================================================================

    Get slackware 7.1 or later.


    Install

    =====================================================================
    Installing slackware x.tgz and debian x.deb packages on looplinux.
    =====================================================================

    Your dos/win system will be mounted under /initrd/win or dos
    on looplinux.
    # mc /initrd

    You can install any slackware packages like this.

    # mc "Start the mc file manager"

    Go to the directory that has the package.
    Have the package you want to install highlighted.
    Press the [F2] key for the menu.
    Chose "Install current (slackware x.tgz) package".

    To install any debian package, do this.
    Chose "Covert current (x.i386.rpm x.deb x.slp to slackware x.tgz)"
    from the menu, then "Install current (slackware x.tgz) package".

    You can install a slackware package that's on a cdrom.
    # cdset "Setup cdrom drive"
    # mount /mnt/cdrom "Mount cdrom drive under /mnt/cdrom directory"
    Then install like above.

    You can also install slackware packages from the command
    line.
    # pkg -i package_name.tgz "Install slackware package"
    # pkg -r package_name "Remove package"
    # pkg -c package_name.deb "Convert to slackware tgz"

    You can use the lynx browser on looplinux to connect to this url
    and download the above packages.

    # lynx
    Chose "LoopLinux" from the menu.

    If you want a text print of this page, press the p key in lynx and
    save to local file.

    Anything downloaded in lynx will be put in the /usr/src/download/
    lynx directory.


    French LoopLinux

    Someone created this french page for looplinux.


    Listing

    A complete listing of the looplnx.tgz contents.


    Loopback-root-fs HOWTO

    This is the howto with some additions by me.


    Stuff

    ========================= Some other stuff ==========================

    Mc.menu is a package of scripts and programs for unpacking,
    converting, and installing redhat.rpm, debian.deb,
    stampede.slp, & slackware.tgz packages.
    The conversions are to slackware tgz format.
    Read mc.menu.README for more information.

    PPPsetup creates a chat script for connecting to a (I)nternet
    (S)ervice (P)rovider and establishing a PPP connection.
    It will ask you a few questions and based on your answers it
    will create a chat script.

    Rman will format man pages to html, you can then display them using
    lynx etc.

    Ramfloppy is a boot-rescue system, it fits on a 1.44mb formatted
    floppy disk, read ramf-95.lsm for more info.
    It can also be run on your hard drive from a dos/win9x system.

    Zdisk will create a boot/rescue system on a 1.44mb or 1.722mb
    formatted floppy disk with a kernel of your choice.
    It can also create a bootable boot/rescue cdrom disk.
    The kernel can't be more than 985kb in size.

    Ztelnet is a version of 'telnet' that has builtin zmodem, it also
    has a pipe | command, you don't have to use the builtin zmodem,
    you can use an external protocol i.e. zmodem, kermit, etc.
    Compiled libc6 and source included.


    e-mail address

    Kent Robotti robotti@metconnect.com