ZedLinux (Abbr: ZedOS, Z/L) is an overlay install script that transforms a pre-installed Debian system into a powerful server or workstation operating system. Rather than shipping a new distro image, ZedLinux layers a curated toolkit, configuration set, and rebranding on top of a stock Debian base.
- Python 3 (pip, venv, PyQt5, Tkinter, Pillow)
- C / C++ (GCC, Clang, LLDB, GDB)
- COBOL (GnuCOBOL 4)
- Fortran (GFortran)
- Pascal (Free Pascal + Lazarus IDE)
- Build tooling (Make, CMake, Ninja, Autoconf, Automake, Bison, Flex)
- Scientific/math libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, BLAS, LAPACK, FFTW3, GMP, MPFR, Boost)
- Qt5 & GTK3 development libraries
- XFCE Desktop Environment
- Firefox ESR
- VLC / mpv
- GParted & GNOME Disk Utility
- Timeshift system snapshots
- xrdp (RDP access)
- TigerVNC
- Remmina remote desktop client
- Cockpit web admin console
- KVM, QEMU, Virt-Manager, Docker, libvirt
- MVS TK5 mainframe emulator
- x3270 / c3270 terminal emulators
- Nmap, Masscan, arp-scan, Netdiscover
- iperf3, mtr, traceroute, ethtool
- Bandwidth monitoring utilities (iftop, nload, bmon, vnstat)
- System monitoring and diagnostic utilities
- UFW firewall
- fail2ban intrusion prevention
- OpenSSH client & server
- Various system utilities and enhancements
- A fresh or existing Debian installation (bare metal, VM, or container)
- Root access
- Internet connectivity for package downloads
- Recommended: 10GB+ RAM for full desktop + SDK + virtualization installs
git clone https://github.com/yourname/zedlinux.git
cd zedlinux/src
sudo bash install.shFor lazy people here is the one line command
git clone https://github.com/yourname/zedlinux.git && cd zedlinux/src && sudo bash install.sh && cd ../.. && rm -rf zedlinuxBy default, the installer runs interactively and prompts you for each
optional component. To skip prompts, use -y / --unattended with flags
or environment variables.
| Flag | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
-y, --unattended |
Skip all prompts; use flags/env vars or defaults | — |
--ssh=yes|no |
Allow SSH through the firewall | yes |
--desktop=yes|no |
Install the XFCE desktop environment | no |
--rdp=yes|no |
Install xrdp (requires --desktop=yes) |
no |
--vnc=yes|no |
Install TigerVNC (requires --desktop=yes) |
no |
--cockpit=yes|no |
Install the Cockpit web console | no |
--sdk=yes|no |
Install COBOL/Fortran/Pascal/C/C++ SDKs | no |
--force-fresh |
Run a full reinstall even if ZedLinux is already present | — |
-h, --help |
Show usage | — |
Each flag also has a matching environment variable (ZLINUX_SSH,
ZLINUX_DESKTOP, ZLINUX_RDP, ZLINUX_VNC, ZLINUX_COCKPIT,
ZLINUX_SDK) used whenever the flag isn't set.
sudo ./install.sh -y --ssh=yes --desktop=nosudo ./install.sh -y --desktop=yes --rdp=yes --sdk=yesRunning the installer again on a system where ZedLinux is already present will refresh packages and re-sync the configuration overlay instead of doing a full reinstall:
sudo ./install.shUse --force-fresh to force a complete reinstall instead.
ZedLinux COMES WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, LIABILITY, OR GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. ZedLinux IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
ZedLinux is a free and open-source software that can be redistributed and modified under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3 or later. By using ZedLinux, you agree to comply with the terms of the GPL and any other applicable licenses.
Copyright (C) 2026 4248 Systems, a part of 0x4248. GNU GPL v3
Linux is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries.
ZedLinux is a community overlay project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or derived from Debian, IBM or any other trademark holder.
I do not make any profit from this project.
All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.