Homepage for Mustang Linux

Mustang Linux is a brand new entry in the small Linux distribution field. It aims to provide a simple (single mini) CD based Linux end-user client. The system boots from CD and loads the base operating system into a RAM image. No hard drive required. Uses 168MB of RAMDISK and needs a 586 system or higher with at least 256MB of RAM. Most base packages are from Slackware. The kernel is the latest 2.6.16.19 compiled with nearly all network cards and options.

Also supports read/write to NTFS (Windows 2000 and XP) hard drives. This allows the creation of a 'file-based' filesystem for customization and adding software packages. The default web browser is Opera, but also provided on CD are extra packages such as Ted, Firefox-2.0, CUPS printing, etc. It is designed to fit on a mini-CD (<200MB) and to provide a basic Web services and email (sylpheed).

Mustang Linux is a concept test for a pocket-sized carry anywhere OS that is impervious to virus problems. Future concepts include providing broadband Internet services that will integrate additional software as requested by the user. Also customised versions to individual taste.

Mustang has migrated to a speciality distribution -- specifically directed toward system administration. It now includes a new 'multi-actiion shell' call MASH. It is not a complete shell. Instead it is a shell wrapper program. In fact it can be used to wrap just about any CLI (command line interface). Has been used on all shells and many database CLIs -- including Oracle and MySQL. Its advantage is that up to 10 such programs can be active at the same time (each color coded). Connections can be configured as defaults for specific commands (ie 'select','insert', ... can be configured for the database connections) so that if a 'select' command is issued the system will know which connection to use for it, ... Other features include an integrated username/password config for SSH, TELNET, and FTP. File transfer is integrated with 5 different upload/download options (2 using FTP, 1 SCP, and 2 transfers through the terminal connection). One really strong feature is that its 'scriptable'. 'mash scripts' can be used perform any action (remotely) that can be done at SSH,TELNET or SQL prompt -- AND these commands can be intermixed in the same script. Ideal for supporting a large number of servers -- and databases.