scripts and minimal binary packs to migrate from one distro to another
...Many distributions already provide a network install but getting the installer to run on your old linux proves tricky because you depend on local libraries and tools.
Why not rely instead only on the linux kernel? You unpack a minimal set of tools to a separate directory, you chroot to it and start from a well defined configuration that can get you to your destination.
Eselstall Secure Environment to Launch Software you don't Trust At aLL:
Combined chroot/setuid tool to easily launch background processes (servers) in a confined environment. Eliminates the need for su in the changeroot directory.