reality is optional
aurora · 0.1
A Linux distribution compiled from source, one contradiction at a time. No base distro underneath. No bloat. Just the parts you asked for.
↓ built from nothing
what it is
built from nothingbuilt from nothing
paradox is assembled with the Linux From Scratch method — every package compiled from upstream source on the machine it runs on. There is no Debian, no Arch, no Red Hat underneath it. It is aimed at people who read man pages for fun.
compiled, not repackaged
gcc-15.2, glibc-2.43, kernel 6.18 — built from source, not pulled from someone else's archive.
nothing you didn't ask for
systemd init, GNU userland, nano. No vendor layer, no telemetry, no preinstalled anything.
defaults with taste
Readable colors, a prompt that tells you who and where you are, and a login banner worth looking at.
honest about its age
This is 0.1. It boots, it runs, and it is missing things. Those things are listed, not hidden.
delivery
one image, two modesone image, two modes
Same base system either way. The only thing that changes is whether the graphical session starts at boot.
server
boots to a terminal
Login prompt, the mirror banner, and a shell. Nothing running that you didn't start.
available at 0.1desktop
boots to a graphical session
The same system with a display server and desktop on top, carrying the same palette.
still being builtpackages
paradox glitch firefoxparadox glitch firefox
The package manager is paradox — a wrapper over pacman with verbs that fit the place. Plain synonyms work too, so nobody has to memorise anything.
root@paradox:~# paradox glitch firefox :: resolving from repo.paradoxlinux.com :: 1 package · 62.4 MiB firefox 128.4.0-1 ✓ reality updated root@paradox:~#
| command | does | plain form |
|---|---|---|
| paradox glitch <pkg> | install a package | paradox install |
| paradox collapse <pkg> | remove a package | paradox remove |
| paradox shift | update everything | paradox update |
| paradox seek <term> | search the repo | paradox search |
| paradox list | list what's installed | — |
the shell
which way is upwhich way is up
This is what you get at login. The wordmark, its reflection dissolving into the dark, and a prompt that colours who you are separately from where you are.
paradox linux (aurora)
Kernel 6.18.10 on an x86_64 (tty1)
paradox login: root
Password:
reality is optional
aurora · 0.1
root@paradox:~# ls script.sh test_folder test.txt backup.tar.xz wallpaper.png root@paradox:~#
releases
the codename queuethe codename queue
Named after celestial phenomena, in order. When one ships, the next one starts.
download
step throughstep through
Images are not published yet. When they are, they land here — write one to a USB stick and boot it.
paradox server
aurora · 0.1 · x86_64
- Boots to a terminal
- systemd, GNU userland, nano
- Wired ethernet via DHCP
paradox desktop
aurora · 0.1 · x86_64
- Boots to a graphical session
- Same base as server
- Display server still in progress
Before you try it. paradox needs a 64-bit UEFI machine with Secure Boot turned off — the bootloader is self-signed. Wi-Fi and audio do not work yet; wired ethernet does. The desktop session is unfinished. This is version 0.1 and it is early on purpose.