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CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution for experienced x86-64 users who want a relatively trimmed system and are prepared to configure and maintain it themselves. Its “lightweight” character comes with a hands-on setup: the official CRUX 3.8 installation guide has users prepare storage, choose packages, configure the new system in a chroot, compile a kernel, and set up a bootloader.
What CRUX is—and who it suits
The CRUX 3.8 handbook describes CRUX as “a lightweight Linux distribution for the x86-64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users.” Its design emphasizes simplicity, a tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small selection of trimmed packages, while also focusing on newer Linux features, tools, and libraries. Applications are installed and upgraded through the ports system.
That combination suits people who want direct control and already feel comfortable administering Linux. CRUX is not an automatically configured desktop installer: the official workflow expects you to make key storage, package, kernel, and bootloader decisions.
Hardware and installation prerequisites
The official CRUX 3.8 ISO packages are optimized for x86-64 processors and newer; i686 and older processors are unsupported. For installation from DVD or removable flash media, the handbook specifies at least 2 GB of system memory. It notes that a custom chroot installation may use less RAM, so the 2 GB figure should not be treated as a general minimum for every installed system or workload.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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The guide lists btrfs, ext2, ext3, ext4, JFS, reiserfs, and XFS as supported Linux root filesystems. Some filesystem tools may need to be installed from the opt repository. It recommends keeping user data such as /home separate from system data to make upgrades, reinstallations, or removal easier.
How the standard installation works
- Download and verify the ISO. Get
crux-3.8.isoandcrux-3.8.sha256, then verify the image withsha256sum -c crux-3.8.sha256. - Boot the installer and prepare storage. Start from DVD or removable flash media, partition and format the target storage, mount the root partition and any separate partitions, and activate swap if you plan to use it. Writing the ISO to a flash drive overwrites the selected drive’s existing contents, so check the target carefully and back up anything you need first.
- Choose the packages. Run
setupand select the packages to install. The guide recommends installing all packages incore. For a UEFI installation, mount the EFI system partition and selectefibootmgrfromopt. If you plan a modular kernel build, the guide calls fordracutfromopt. - Configure the installed system. Enter the new installation through a chroot and configure its basic system files. Use the setup-provided kernel configuration as a starting point, then compile a kernel.
- Install or configure a bootloader. Set up a bootloader appropriate for the machine’s UEFI or legacy BIOS mode. The handbook does not cover dual-boot installation, so users planning to preserve another operating system will need guidance beyond this installation procedure.
Packages, dependencies, and ongoing maintenance
CRUX package archives are plain archives named with the package name, version, and release. The basic package utilities are pkgadd for installing, pkgrm for removing, pkginfo for inspecting, and pkgmk for building packages.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The basic package system does not check dependencies automatically. CRUX includes prt-get, whose depinst command can resolve them: use prt-get depinst when you want that dependency-resolving behavior. This distinction matters when planning installs; dependency resolution should not be assumed when using the basic package tools alone.
Maintenance can also require rebuilding packages after refreshing the ports tree. The handbook warns that this may matter when libraries introduce breaking changes or when packages rely on soft dependencies outside core and opt. In practice, CRUX expects its users to pay attention to package relationships and changes as they update the system.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Hardware detection and troubleshooting
If the installer does not detect a storage device, the handbook says its installation kernel supports most disk controllers, but that is not a guarantee for every machine. Treat controller compatibility as hardware-specific. For help with an undetected device or an installation problem, CRUX points users to its wiki, mailing lists, bug tracker, and IRC.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is CRUX the right distribution for you?
- Consider CRUX if you use supported x86-64 hardware, have Linux administration experience, and want a relatively trimmed system with hands-on control over installation and maintenance.
- Look for a more automated installer if you want the installer to handle most partitioning, kernel, bootloader, or desktop configuration for you.
- Plan for active maintenance if you are comfortable selecting packages, resolving dependencies when needed, compiling a kernel, and responding to changes in the ports tree.
CRUX’s documented installation and package-management model—not an independently established performance comparison—is the clearest basis for judging whether it fits your needs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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