GRML

Today, I had to install a new server. And to try out something new, I decided to use GRML, a Knoppix-based Linux Live CD. Well, actually it's more than just a live CD. GRML is actually a really nice system to get new Debian systems up and running quickly. Just create a partition (or probably a second one, for swap), mkswap the swap partition if you want one, and then run grml2hd. And just ten minutes later (yes, ten [10] minutes, that's not a typo), you have a really nice base installation which comes with more than just the bare base of Debian. In my case, it was just perfect. The only trap I was falling into during configuration of the required services was /etc/hosts.{allow,deny}, both of them were preconfigured in an extreme-paranoia mode.

And not to forget: without GRML I would have suffered a productivity loss. Other distributions just can't fulfill the high demands of me and my customers. Using GRML takes up less time than any other comparable system, leaving me more time to spend on important, time-critical tasks.

Although the previous paragraph is full of the usual user-testimonal bullshit phrases, it is actually true.