I build a lot of lightweight, cross-platform C/C++ programs from source. I enjoy finding unusual, low dependency programs, building them and patching them when needed. For a long time, I've wanted to put together a collection or even a distro with some of my favorite lightweight FOSS. Since the programs are cross-platform, the base could be almost any Free OS such as Linux, BSD or even FreeDOS.

My original idea was to gear this for educational use. However, it might be better targeted toward hobbyists and makers. It would include many of the programs I mentioned in my post, plus others. The end result would be an ultra-lightweight system compared to mainstream Linux distributions. It would be fast and efficient on new computers but would still be very responsive on older hardware.

I originally experimented with ways to use nano-x, sixel or framebuffer. I'm now thinking of using an older but updated X11 build (something similar in spirit to TinyCore's KDrive but unique). The project would include build scripts, patches and original source so the entire distribution could be reproducibly rebuilt. The goal is a low dependency system that doesn't require a giant toolchain just to build it. I want to create something that one person can realistically maintain. I have a lightweight build system/package manager I created that I've been using for 20 years. I also have over a thousand cross-platform build scripts.

If this kind of ultra-lightweight, cross-platform toolkit appeals to you, I’d love to connect. I'm searching for people who enjoy discovering low dependency, portable C or C++ programs, patching them or building alternatives for low resource computing. I’d like to form a small group of people who want to brainstorm and trade ideas, discover, reproducibly build or test software and help shape what this project could become. If you're interested in lightweight FOSS, let me hear from you.

Document Freedom Day is March 26th. The Digital Freedom Foundation and the Document Foundation will be gearing up to celebrate open standards, Free document and multimedia formats and even CC and Public Domain content using open formats. Hope you'll join in.

Switched to gluten free for medical reasons. I'm attempting to convert old recipes or find new ones. Not having a lot of luck. Would love to compare notes with others on converting old recipes. Due to food allergies and intolerances, I make a lot of things from scratch. Ingredients like xanthan gum, coconut, almond and 1 to 1 flours are a problem for me. One of the recipes I'm still working on is a decent pie crust. I've tried the Bob's Red Mill recipe for a teff 5 minute pie crust and it's halfway. I've experimented with other flours and flour mixes in place of the teff but can't find anything I really like the taste of. I used to like making a matzo brei occasionally. The gluten free matzos get soggy when mixed with egg. Would like to try to make a homemade matzo from scratch to replace the gluten free option, but so far, the recipes I've tried haven't worked well. Looking for decent gluten free bread machine recipes. So far, I've only found one I like. Working on my own gluten free flour blend and would appreciate any tips and tricks related to flour blends. Would be curious to hear how others converted their favorite recipes. Thanks.

Software Freedom Day is trying to increase awareness about their annual worldwide event and about Free and Open Software in general through an original music competition. Please spread the word. Hope some of you will enter.

Are you interested in attending or helping to organize a Software Freedom Day event? Software Freedom Day educates people about and promotes the benefits of Free, Libre and Open Source Software and Creative Commons multimedia. The Digital Freedom Foundation is currently planning this year's 20th anniversary in September. Please see the Software Freedom Day web site for details. You can join in the discussion on the Software Freedom Day mailing list or the SoftwareFreedomDay matrix channel. Volunteers are needed. Please spread the word about this event. Thank you.

Would be curious to know if anyone's had any experience using sixel. I've only seen a few framebuffer based Linux distributions. Wondering if sixel could be used in a similar way to avoid X Windows or Wayland. I saw a port of libsdl that outputs in sixel. Also started experimenting with mlterm which displays sixel. Would be curious to hear of others experiences working with sixel or other graphics formats that could potentially display well in console mode.

Thought I'd mention pdftxt. It translates pdf files to text using libmupdf. Haven't found anything more lightweight to do the same job. Would be curious if others have. There are some other interesting framebuffer and command line programs at the same site too.