Monday, November 12, 2007

Linux running on a Palm TX


The development of versions of Linux for the Palm is making good progress. For example, a distribution for Palm with good maturity is Angstrom , based on Gentoo Linux and versions for the Palm TX and Tungsten T5. As a graphic environment used Opie , a fork of Qtopia focused on the PDAs.

Opie ejecutándose en una Palm TX
Opie running on a Palm TX

If you've ever used Linux, you probably tried the graphical environments KDE and Gnome . For example Ubuntu uses Gnome and Kubuntu KDE. Well, Qtopia environment is the foundation of KDE, so KDE are Opie and say "brothers". Although not used in Angstrom, is worth mentioning the other graphical environment for PDAs running Linux, called GPE , which uses the libraries GTK , Gnome based, another well-known graphical environment for Linux. So if the PC with Linux we have the main options of KDE and Gnome as a GUI, in case the same com PDA Opie and GPE.

GPE ejecutándose en una Palm TX
GPE running on a Palm TX

Well, our friend Leo has posted on his blog a video and screenshots from Opie / Armstrong running on your TX. Apart from the time of loading the operating system, around a minute because you're reading from SD, not the main memory, I was surprised how fast you tear the applications, taking into account the complexity of Linux as operating compared for example with PalmOS. It makes me think that when developing a Linux vesion for Palm optimized for these devices, such as the ALP from Palm Inc., the result can be more than satisfactory.

More stable version of Linux for the Palm TX, in one package with everything you need, you just have to unzip the contents to the root of the SD card, run the Cocoboot that appears on the card from the Palm and ready for use

The Video Angstrom Linux can be downloaded from the web of Linux for Palm . the instructions are simple:

  • Download the complete package (eg "Palm TX (all)").
  • Unzip the file and copy the root directory of the SD card from the Palm.
  • Make a backup of the information on our Palm case.
  • Run the program "Cocoboot" that will installed in our Palm, and tap on the "Boot". This program will reset the Palm loading we have installed Linux instead of bringing the Palm PalmOS factory.
  • Boot Linux. Enjoy it. In PDAExpertos we read the opinion of those who have been tested.

To keep abreast of the progress of this Linux for the TX, I recommend following the blog of its creator .

Cómo se vería nuestra TX con Angstrom/Opie ejecutándose en lugar de PalmOS
How would our TX with Angstrom / Opie running instead of PalmOS

For those who want to try Linux on your Palm, Leo has compiled a list of FAQs that abusing your kindness, I'll also include here, for those who have doubts to try Linux on your Palm:

  • Is it safe to load Linux?: Absolutely, just run as a program but with a Soft Reset is out of it.
  • ¿I can return to PalmOS?: Yes, just reset the Palm.
  • Do not lose information?: No way, only you reset and return to as you were. HOWEVER ADVISE TO DO A BACKUP BEFORE TESTING.
  • ¿I can use "X" device files you posted for "Y" device?: NO, each packet is for a specific device TX, T5 ...).
  • Where do you download the most current version of Linux for my Palm?: From Hack & Dev .
  • Can I install applications on Linux?: No, but bring a good set of apps to entertain you.
  • Can only work with Linux on Palm: Yes, the Apps package includes is quite complete.
  • By resetting the Palm where they go the changes I made ​​in Linux, you lose?: NO, are stored in the image of the card, and boot Linux again, there is your information.
  • What if my Palm is damaged you pay me?: Hehehe, I'm afraid not, use it at your own risk
  • Is it useful to change the OS on my Palm?: It really depends on your point of view.
  • Is this system to submit Access this year, the Access Linux Platform?: NO, this is a side project to port Linux to Palm devices.

Happy hacking!

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