This post was updated on June 8, 2026 at 11:09 PM EDT to reflect the current state of the project. Fathom-OS has moved from planning to active development.
Follow the journey of building a deeper Linux, one decision at a time.
What is Fathom-OS?
Fathom-OS is a custom Linux distribution being built from scratch using the Linux From Scratch (LFS) methodology. It is designed for developers, sysadmins, and minimalist users who want full control without unnecessary complexity.
The project is in active development. A dedicated build host is running and the LFS 13.0-systemd build is underway. Follow along in the build series below.
Current Status
- Project name confirmed: Fathom-OS
- Domains live: fathom-os.com and fathom-linux.com
- GitHub repo: active (private, QuietWireDev/fathom-os)
- Landing page live at fathom-os.com
- Build methodology confirmed: Linux From Scratch, full source build
- Build host online: dedicated VM (10 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM, 245 GB LFS partition)
We are currently not accepting contributors or publishing builds, this thread serves as a log of major decisions, design progress, and roadmap updates.
Development Philosophy
- Modular by default, every component (scripts, pages, CSS, UI) is isolated and replaceable.
- Terminal-first. GUI may come later, but command-line experience is the priority.
- Clarity over clutter, nothing ships unless it’s clean, documented, and justified.
- Solo-driven by Dennis Ayotte. Every build decision, command, and configuration is done by hand. AI is used as a reference tool for questions and documentation, nothing more.
Planned Milestones
| Version | Goal |
|---|---|
v0.1.0 |
Fully documented build environment + modular bootstrap scripts |
v0.5.0 |
Minimal ISO with live environment and install options |
v1.0.0 |
Core release with optional modules, documentation, and live CLI demo |
These milestones are fluid and may change as we test tools, explore packaging strategies, and refine the OS’s identity.
How to Follow Along
We’ll use this topic to post:
- Screenshots of new visuals or shell interfaces
- Development logs and changelogs
- Design decisions, tradeoffs, and reworks
- Internal milestones
This thread is currently read-only unless otherwise noted.
Dev Log
- Chapter 2.2: Host System Requirements (June 8, 2026)
- Chapter 2.4 and 2.5: Partition and Filesystem Setup (June 8, 2026)
- Chapter 2.6 and 2.7: Setting $LFS and Mounting the Partition (June 9, 2026)
- Chapter 3: Packages and Patches (June 9, 2026)
- Chapter 4: Final Preparations (June 9, 2026)
- Chapter 5: Compiling a Cross-Toolchain (June 10, 2026)
- Chapter 6: Cross Compiling Temporary Tools (June 11, 2026)
- Chapter 7: Entering Chroot and Building Additional Temporary Tools (June 12, 2026)
- Chapter 8 Part 1: API and Core Libraries (June 13, 2026)
- Chapter 8 Part 2: The Toolchain (June 17, 2026)
- Chapter 8 Part 3: System Libraries and the Final GCC (June 20, 2026)
- Chapter 8 Part 4: Terminal Libraries and the Shell (June 25, 2026)
- Chapter 8 Part 5: Build Tools and Perl (June 27, 2026)
- Chapter 8 Part 6: Perl Modules and Python (July 5, 2026)
© 2026 Fathom-OS. Built with patience and intent.