MasterLinux ISO Builder

This project builds and customizes ISO images. The code is organized into several modules:

• widgets.py: Contains custom Qt widgets (e.g., ElidedLabel and CenteredIconDelegate).
• threads.py: Contains CommandRunnerThread for running shell commands without blocking the UI.
• package_models.py: Implements package list models and a filter proxy for managing packages.
• dialogs.py: Provides dialogs for preseed options, kernel selection, and advanced compression settings.
• MasterLinux.py: The main file that initializes the GUI and integrates all modules.

Features

• Intuitive GUI: A step-by-step interface guides you through the entire process.
• Chroot Environment: An integrated terminal provides a chroot environment for full control over the ISO's contents. You can use familiar apt commands (and other shell commands) to customize the system.
• Package Management: Easily view and select installed packages for removal. A filterable list helps you find what you need. Package removal is handled one at a time to ensure proper dependency resolution.
• Progress Updates: Real-time progress bars and output logs keep you informed during lengthy operations (extraction, package removal, ISO creation).
• Error Handling: Robust error handling and informative messages guide you if anything goes wrong.
• Command History: The chroot terminal supports command history (up/down arrow keys).
• ISO Information Extraction: Automatically extracts basic ISO information (name, version) using xorriso.
• Boot Logo Customization: Option to include a custom boot logo in your ISO.
• Preseed File Support: Automate the installation process by providing a preseed file.
• Kernel Selection: Ability to change the kernel installed inside of the ISO.
• Advanced Compression Options: The tool allows for choosing the compression method for the resulting .iso with levels, threads, and custom commands.
• Temporary File Management: Includes a checkbox to automatically delete the temporary extraction directory after ISO creation.

Requirements

• Python 3.12+: The application is written in Python and requires a compatible interpreter.
• xorriso: Used for ISO extraction and creation. Make sure it's installed and in your system's PATH.
• Administrator Privileges: sudo access is required for operations within the chroot environment (e.g., apt install, apt remove).

Installation

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/john0n1/MasterLinux.git 
   cd linuxmkr

2. Install Dependencies:

   # Create a virtual-env
   python3 -m venv venv
   # Activate the virtual-Env 
   Source venv/bin/activate
   pip install -r requirements.txt
   
   # Install xorriso (example for Debian/Ubuntu)
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install xorriso

3. Project Structure

   The project is structured as follows to enhance maintainability and readability:

   • MasterLinux.py: The main file that initializes the GUI and integrates all modules.
   • widgets.py: Contains custom Qt widgets (e.g., ElidedLabel and CenteredIconDelegate).
   • threads.py: Contains CommandRunnerThread for running shell commands without blocking the UI.
   • package_models.py: Implements package list models and a filter proxy for managing packages.
   • dialogs.py: Provides dialogs for preseed options, kernel selection, and advanced compression settings.
   • README.md: Documentation.

4. To ensure that the application works as a whole make sure all of the python files are inside the same directory.

Usage

1. Run the Application:

   python MasterLinux.py

2. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:

   • Step 1: Working Folder: Select a directory where temporary files will be stored. This folder should have enough free space (at least the size of the ISO you're working with).
   • Step 2: ISO File: Choose the base ISO image you want to customize. The application will attempt to extract the ISO's name, version, and architecture. Optionally select a boot logo.
   • Step 3: ISO Extraction: The application extracts the ISO to the working folder. A progress bar shows the extraction progress.
   • Step 4: Customize ISO (Chroot Terminal): Use the integrated terminal to modify the ISO's contents. You're in a chroot environment, so you can use commands like apt update, apt install <package>, apt remove <package>, ls, pwd, etc. Type help in the terminal for a list of basic commands. Use exit in the terminal to finish customization and proceed to the next step.
   • Step 5: Package Removal: A list of installed packages is displayed. Use the checkboxes to select packages you want to remove. You can search/filter the list.
   • Step 6: Confirm Package Removal: Review the list of packages to be removed. The removal process is executed one package at a time to handle dependencies correctly.
   • Step 7: Re-create ISO: Specify the output path and filename for the customized ISO. You can set advanced compression options. A preseed file is optional.
   • Step 8: Finished: The new ISO is created. You can choose to open the output folder and/or delete the temporary files.

File Structure

/home/mitanderos/MasterLinux/
  ├── MasterLinux.py
  ├── widgets.py
  ├── threads.py
  ├── package_models.py
  ├── dialogs.py
  └── readme.md

Troubleshooting

• xorriso not found: Ensure that xorriso is installed and in your system's PATH.
• GUI Freezing: Long operations (especially apt commands) can take time. The application uses threads to prevent the GUI from completely freezing, but some operations are inherently slow.
• Package Removal Errors: If a package fails to remove, check the terminal output for error messages. It may be due to dependency conflicts. Try removing packages individually to isolate the problem.
• Permission Denied: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access the working folder, ISO file, and to execute commands within the chroot environment (using sudo).

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please follow these guidelines:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or bug fix.
3. Make your changes and commit them with clear, descriptive messages.
4. Create a pull request.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Disclaimer

This tool modifies system images. Use it with caution and at your own risk. It's recommended to test your customized ISOs in a virtual machine before deploying them to physical hardware. The author is not responsible for any damage caused by the use of this software.