Hobby Linux

Hobby Linux is a Linux distribution built atop Debian Stable (Trixie) with backports enabled. It has a lightweight LXQt desktop with Openbox, and curated goodies for tinkerers.

It’s called Hobby Linux because it lets you explore the machinations of Debian’s live-build ecosystem and Calamares installer with your own personal hobby operating system.

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Core Defaults

Take a look at the tests under specs/. They are unit tests which also help document the code so its easier to get a better picture of what's inside at a glance. Summary:

• Desktop Environment: lightweight LXQt and Openbox
• Firmware & Bootloader: UEFI w/graphical GRUB and Plymouth spinner-splash screen
• Filesystem: XFS w/optional encryption
• System Configuration:
  • sudo: standard sudo
  • NetworkManager: iwd w/systemd-resolved
  • AudioServer: pipewire
  • Drivers: microcodes, firmwares, & fs progs pre-installed
• Software Management:
  • System Level: nala
  • Automated Rolling Maintenance: unattended-upgrades with auto-upgrading packages (not just updating!)

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Installation & Workflow

Hobby uses task as the entry point to build a bootable ISO inside an isolated Docker container and spin up a local virtual machine with QEMU.

Prerequisites

# Get Task (go-task):
mkdir -p ~/.local/bin
curl -sSL https://github.com/go-task/task/releases/latest/download/task_linux_amd64.tar.gz | tar -xz -C ~/.local/bin task

# Install prereqs:
sudo apt install -y docker.io qemu-system-x86 ovmf

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Pre-Install

1. Build the ISO:

   task iso:build

   Spins up a Docker container running Debian Trixie with live-build, downloads packages, applies customizations, and writes a bootable image to build/hobbylinux-*.iso. Takes about ~8 minutes to run.

2. Run the live ISO in QEMU:

   task vm:run

   Launches QEMU in UEFI mode with KVM acceleration. Auto-provisions a virtual test disk (vm/hobbylinux-test.qcow2), UEFI NVRAM, and boots the newly built ISO.

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Install / Live Desktop

The live desktop is LXQt. To begin the install, launch the Install Hobby Linux shortcut. A network connection is required! The installer is calamares and uses some fish helper scripts. Follow the install (partition, users, etc.) prompts and reboot when complete.

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Post-Install

1. Boot into the Installed System:

   task vm:run

2. Hobby Linux Bootstrap:

   An automated setup script opens after login and lets you pick from a list of package groups (Gaming, HTPC, Content Creation, Development). The bootstrap script lets you pre-install groups of packages and flatpaks and runs only at the very first boot.

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Artwork & License

• Code & Configuration: Licensed under the MIT License.
• Artwork & Branding: All original artwork, wallpapers, and branding assets belong to Egee (All rights reserved).