wooby's Journal: Multi-distro Linux LiveCD

I got an IM today from a friend of mine with the question "I'd like to put multiple Linux LiveCD ISOs on one disc, and then be able to select at boot which one to start up."

Various micro and utility OSes might be stuffed onto a CD this way - Damn Small Linux, Slax, or Derek's Boot and Nuke are just a few that might be used.

I knew immediately that this was possible, but it took some research to determine exactly how it can be done.

This LinuxQuestions.org thread goes through the details of the process. It's possible to use the RIP Linux distro as a host OS and load the distros up at boot with a custom GRUB setup.

Ultimate Boot CD is a pre-made multiboot CD, and can be modified to payload Linux distros. CD Shell is another solution, and probably the best; it's a "scriptable menu-system" that can be tailored to load kernels from a selection screen at boot.

It's easiest to put together a multi-distro live cd if you have access to a Linux machine, but it's possible to accomplish on Windows using software like Daemon Tools.

I have yet to put together a CD of my own, but when I do it will probably have Boot and Nuke and Slax.