I currently have a Linux distro spread over 5 CD's, and I was just wondering how (if possible) I'd put them on 1 DVD. Is this possible? Can I just drag and drop all the files onto one DVD, or would I need special software?

'linux distro'

Most distros have a DVD version available; does this one not?

You might be able to unpack Disk 1* and place it in the root DVD directory (let's you boot off the DVD). Then unpack the rest of the discs into unique directories on the DVD.

When you go to install, make it install from a custom path. Then you can point to each unpacked disc path as it asks for it.

Not guaranteed to work, but check the install options for your distro.

(* = for unpacking disc 1, it might be better to get a tool that lets you add files to an ISO, so that you keep all of the boot information)

So in summary, do as trog suggests and just get a premade DVD version if it exists.

last edited by parabol at 22:59:11 18/Mar/07

Thanks Parabol, I'll give it a go.

I'm with Optus, so there's no way for me to DL distro's without them coming out of my alloted montly bandwidth... greedy Optus bastards. I don't want to have to re DL this distro as it'll be a few gigs : /

Most PC mag's are shipping with Linux distros these days, could just find one with a DVD image of your distro.

Not sure if optus count this as downloads or not but they do offer a mirror for afue linux distros. http://mirror.optus.net/

Thanks Tyrone! I've been told that they still charge for downloads from their server, but at least it would be lightning fast.

It depends on the distro really. If it's that big it's probably got an installer.
If it has a multi-cd installer it probably creates a tmpfs and chroots to it before beginning the install. When it asks to change disks you can simply check your mount point for the "current cd" and remount the nth disk subdir on your dvd at that mount point. I've done that when I had no DVD drives working and if you have/get just a smidgen of clue it shouldn't be too hard.

1. What distro are you after?
2. Is there a link to it available on the iiNet Freezone as a DVD?
3. Do you need this in any hurry? (ie, next 2 days? If not I can't help)
4. If 1, 2 and 3 apply, I might be able to help you out if you can send me a stamped, self-addressed CD-mailer.

4. If 1, 2 and 3 apply, I might be able to help you out if you can send me a stamped, self-addressed CD-mailer.

Might also be cheap(er) to look at www.lsl.com.au; those guys are pretty quick and cheap

suuuuure "linux distro" .....

LOL, it's Fedora Core (yeah I know, ewwww. The CD's were given to me thouugh). There's no rush, I'm just in it for fun/to learn. I've had a lot of experience at making slipstreamed WinXP DVD's etc so it shouldn't be too hard to figure out how to do it for Linux. I'll try google/wiki it some more. I want to start off on a nooby Linux like Fedora before moving onto something cooler like Ubuntu.

I want to start off on a nooby Linux like Fedora before moving onto something cooler like Ubuntu.

You have it backwards.

Ubuntu ('noobuntu' among some circles) is the ultimate "nooby linux" for people who want to use linux without learning much. Nothing wrong with that if you just want to quickly set up a file server or media box, etc .. without f***ing around.

I usually recommend Slackware to people who want to learn a bit more, without getting overwhelmed. You touch upon partitioning, adding users, starting X, modifying a startup script or two to automate stuff .. good learning experience :)

Id have to say Fedora and Suse are way noob freindy. Ubuntu and Debian for the win!

Oooh a "my distro is cooler" pissing match! How awesome.

wait.. wake me up when you've designed and implemented your own build system from scratch.

Oooh a "my distro is cooler" pissing match!

Where?

All I see is many distros mentioned, but nothing actually bad said about any of them.

Do you not remember typing "noobuntu"? Isn't that a little derogatory and negative for a distro that has brought usability to so many new linux users?

Do you not remember typing "noobuntu"? Isn't that a little derogatory

It may well have been derogatory if my follow-up sentence didn't start with "Nothing wrong with that" and didn't discuss some of its merits.

Oh that's right it did. Might want to find yourself another thread to troll.