SysLinuxOS

1. Introduction

SysLinuxOS is a Debian-based GNU/Linux live distribution designed for system integrators and system administrators.
It provides a complete, preconfigured operating environment for networking, diagnostics, monitoring, virtualization, and system integration tasks.

SysLinuxOS is built to be immediately usable in both live and installed modes. All core components and tools required for professional workflows are included by default, minimizing setup time and configuration overhead.

2. Project Scope and Objectives

The primary objective of SysLinuxOS is to deliver a ready-to-use professional system based on Debian, optimized for technical operations rather than general desktop usage.

Design goals include:

• Full Debian compatibility

• Immediate operational readiness

• Predictable and reproducible system behavior

• Stable and maintainable system architecture

• Comprehensive tooling for system integration and administration

SysLinuxOS targets environments where rapid deployment and reliable diagnostics are required.

3. Base System

SysLinuxOS is built on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution and adheres to Debian standards for packaging, filesystem hierarchy, and system configuration.

Key characteristics:

• Debian-based userland

• Official Debian repositories

• live-build–based ISO creation

• No external or proprietary build systems

This approach ensures long-term maintainability and compatibility with the Debian ecosystem.

4. Kernel

SysLinuxOS uses the Liquorix kernel (6.16.8-1-amd64) instead of the standard Debian kernel.

Rationale:

• Lower scheduling latency

• Improved interactive responsiveness

• Optimizations for desktop and networking workloads

• Extended hardware support

The Liquorix kernel is selected to improve system responsiveness without compromising overall stability.

5. Boot and System Detection

5.1 OS-Prober

Unlike Debian 13, SysLinuxOS enables OS-Prober by default.
This allows automatic detection of other operating systems during GRUB configuration, simplifying multi-boot installations.

5.2 Firmware Support

SysLinuxOS supports both:

• Legacy BIOS systems

• UEFI-based systems

6. Network Configuration

6.1 Interface Naming

SysLinuxOS restores traditional network interface naming conventions:

• eth0, eth1, …

• wlan0, wlan1, …

This choice simplifies:

• Script portability

• Automation

• Troubleshooting

• Compatibility with existing documentation

6.2 Networking Environment

A complete networking environment is provided, including VPN clients, remote access utilities, protocol analyzers, and diagnostic tools.

7. Desktop Environments

SysLinuxOS provides two desktop environments:

• MATE

• GNOME

Both environments are:

• Fully preconfigured

• Functionally equivalent

• Aligned in menu structure and tool availability

The desktop environments are intended as operational interfaces for system integration tasks rather than end-user customization.

8. Desktop Usage Considerations

While SysLinuxOS is primarily designed as a professional integration and diagnostic platform, it can also be used as a general-purpose desktop operating system.

This usage scenario is recommended for users who:

• Possess solid Linux system administration skills

• Are familiar with advanced networking and system tools

• Prefer a workstation preloaded with professional utilities

SysLinuxOS is not targeted at beginner users and does not attempt to simplify or abstract advanced system components.

9. Preinstalled Software

SysLinuxOS includes a curated set of professional tools.

9.1 Networking and Diagnostics

• Wireshark

• EtherApe

• Ettercap

• PackETH

• Packet Sender

• Nmap

• Sparrow-Wifi

and much more!

9.2 Remote Access and Administration

• Major VPN clients

• PuTTY

• Serial console utilities

• Multiple web browsers

9.3 Virtualization and Simulation

• Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2

• VirtualBox 7.2

9.4 Monitoring and Management

• Munin

• Zabbix-agent2

• Icinga

• Monit

• Nagios4

9.5 Compatibility and Utilities

• Wine

• Standard GNU/Linux administration tools

• Conky System Widget

10. Monitoring and Observability

SysLinuxOS integrates monitoring tools suitable for local and remote observation of system state:

• Resource utilization (CPU, memory, storage)

• Network throughput and interface status

• Service monitoring and alerting

These components are preinstalled but remain configurable according to deployment requirements.

11. Installation

SysLinuxOS can be used in two modes:

• Live mode: Immediate access without installation

• Installed mode: Permanent installation using the Calamares installer

The installer is customized for SysLinuxOS and supports:

• Automated post-install configuration

• UEFI and BIOS systems

• Standard partitioning schemes

12. Intended Audience

SysLinuxOS is intended for:

• System integrators

• System administrators

• Network engineers

• Advanced Linux users

A working knowledge of Linux system administration is assumed.

13. Use Cases

Typical use cases include:

• System integration and deployment

• Network diagnostics and analysis

• Infrastructure monitoring

• Incident response and recovery

• Virtualization and simulation environments

• Skilled-user desktop workstations

14. Relationship with Debian

SysLinuxOS remains fully compatible with Debian while introducing targeted modifications to improve professional usability.

Key differences include:

• Alternative kernel selection

• Enabled OS-Prober

• Traditional network interface naming

• Preinstalled professional toolchain

Debian remains the underlying foundation of the system.

15. Availability

SysLinuxOS is available as a live ISO image in two editions:

• SysLinuxOS MATE

• SysLinuxOS GNOME

Both editions provide identical system capabilities.

16. System Requirements

• Architecture: amd64

• Memory: minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)

• Storage: minimum 25 GB

• Firmware: BIOS or UEFI

Login:

user = admin

password = root