Monday, 12 of November of 2007

Linux running in a Palm TX

The development of the versions of Linux for the Palm advances to good rate. For example, a distribution for Palm with good state of maturity is Angstrom, cradle in Gentoo Linux and with versions for Palm TX and Tungsten T5. As graphical surroundings use Opie, fork of Qtopia focused to the PDAs.

Opie executing itself in a Palm TX
Opie executing itself in a Palm TX

If you have used Linux sometimes, surely you have proven the graphical surroundings KDE and Gnome. For example Ubuntu uses Gnome, and Kubuntu KDE. Then, Qtopia is the base of graphical surroundings KDE, reason why Opie and KDE are we say “brother”. Although it is not used in Angstrom, is worthy to mention the other graphical surroundings for PDAs being run Linux, call GPE, that use bookstores GTK, the base of Gnome, another well-known graphical surroundings for Linux. So if in the PC with Linux we counted on the main options of KDE and Gnome like graphical surroundings, in the PDA it happens same com Opie and GPE.

GPE executing itself in a Palm TX
GPE executing itself in a Palm TX

Then, our friend I read has published in his blog a video and screen captures of Opie/Armstrong running in its TX. Part of the time of load of the operating system, around a minute because it is being read of the SD, not of the main memory, me it has surprised the express that takes the applications, considering the complexity of Linux like compared operating system for example with PalmOS. It makes me think that when one is developed vesión of Linux for the Palm optimized for these devices, for example the ALP of Inc. Palm, the result can more be than satisfactory.

New stable version but of Linux for Palm TX, in a single package yet the necessary thing, is only necessary to decompress the content in the Root of card SD, to execute the Cocoboot that will appear in the card of the ready Palm and to be used

The Linux Angstrom of the video can be unloaded of the page of Linux for Palm. the instructions are simple:

  • To unload the complete package (for example “Palm TX (all)”).
  • To decompress the file and to copy it to the root directory of card SD of the Palm.
  • To do backup of the information of our Palm just in case.
  • To execute the program “Cocoboot” that will appear installed in our Palm, and to make APT in the option “Boot”. This program will reseteará the Palm loading the Linux that we have installed instead of the PalmOS that brings the Palm of factory.
  • Linux will start. To enjoy it. In PDAExpertos we can read the opinion of they have been which it trying.

In order to be abreast of the advances of this Linux for the TX, I recommend to follow blog of its creator.

How our TX with Angstrom/Opie would be seen executing itself instead of PalmOS
How our TX with Angstrom/Opie would be seen executing itself instead of PalmOS

For that they want to prove Linux in his Palm, I read has compiled a list of Questions More frequent than, abusing its amiability, I am going to include here also, for which they have doubts when trying Linux in his Palm:

  • He is safe to load Linux: Totally, it only runs as a program but and with a Reset Soft leaves him.
  • I can return to PalmOS: If, you only must reinitiate the Palm.
  • I do not lose information: , None only reseteas and you return to as you were. NEVERTHELESS I ADVISE TO MAKE AN ENDORSEMENT BEFORE TRYING.
  • I can use in “X” device the archives that posteaste for “and” device: NO, each package is for a specific device TX, T5…).
  • Of where unloading the present version but of Linux for my Palm: Of Hack&Dev.
  • Applications in Linux can be installed: No, but it brings a good Seth of Apps so that you entertain yourself.
  • It is possible only to be worked with Linux in the Palm: Yes, the package of Apps that it includes is quite complete.
  • When resetear the Palm to where the changes go that I did in Linux, is lost: NO, they keep in the image of the card, and when bootear Linux it will be your information there again.
  • If my Palm is damaged your me the payments: Jejeje, I am afraid that no, úsalo under your own risk
  • He is useful to change the operating system of my Palm: It really depends on your point of view.
  • It is east system which presented/displayed east Acces year, the Acces Linux Platform: NO, this it is an alternating project to carry Linux to the Palm devices.

Happy hacking!


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