5. Select a root directory

5.1. Selecting the root filesystem and a kernel

A live CD is for all practical intentions an exact copy of a working Linux distribution. On this screen you have to select where the root filesystem is that you want to duplicate.

Depending on your selection, kernels available under the chosen root filesystem will appear in the combo list.

You may select any of the listed kernels. The LiveCD_Druid will then use the chosen kernel in the live CD.

5.2. Excludes from the loop filesystem

Typically, you will select a root filesystem and then LiveCD_Druid will create a loop filesystem of the chosen root filesystem.

(Alternatively, you will later be offered the opportunity to use an existing loop filesystem.)

This root filesystem may contain files and directories you do not want to include in the live CD.

You do not need so specify the obvious files and directories like "/tmp" and "/dev" etc. LiveCD_Druid uses a fine tuned list of files which are excluded from the loop filesystem. This minimizes the donkey work from your side.

With the above tip in mind, you may typically choose to exclude certain home directories, or "/opt".

It is sound advice to keep the directories under the home directory small. Avoid having extra data in them. You may rather want to store those data in places like "/opt" or "/usr". You may include the excluded data as external data. This will be added to the ISO image. This option is available during a later step of the LiveCD_Druid The reason for this is that during the live CD boot process, all the data in "/home" (and "/etc" and "/root") gets copied into a ram drive. If the machine running the live CD is low on RAM, you surely are in for trouble. `