Linux – the difference between “bin” and “netinstall” ISO files for Linux

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What is the difference between "bin" and "netinstall" ISO files for Linux?

I need a full OS, not just a Live CD. On the mirrors there are two kind of files

  • osname-bin-DVD.iso and
  • osname-netinstall.iso

Which one is the full OS?

Best Answer

It somewhat depends on which particular distribution you are talking about, and very much on what you mean by "full OS". Where do you draw the line?

  • Do you require the ability to install to disk? Almost all live CDs can do that. (In fact, many distributions provide a single disc for both live use and installation.)
  • Do you count the programs installed? Then live CDs would be fuller than install-only CDs. (Especially the "netinstall" ones: they only come with a bare minimum required for installation, and download the rest when needed.)

In your example, both "bin" and "netinstall" images have a full OS in that you can boot and install from the CD.

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