Linux on the Psion netBook HOWTO Last modified 9 July 2006. Changes. Copyright © 2003-2005 www.openpsion.org (http://www.openpsion.org) - The OpenPsion Project. All rights reserved. This document contains information on how to get a Psion netBook to boot up the Linux operating system, how to subsequently configure the system, and how to obtain, install and use applications suitable for the netBook’s limited resources. This document also contains notes on the remaining problems at the moment, and instructions on such things as compiling a custom kernel and assembling a custom OS.IMG file. Framebuffer support is implemented, and X windows is supported. Compactflash, PCMCIA, and touch screen are rudimentarily supported. Many wireless PCMCIA cards will work fine; indeed, in general most PCMCIA devices (16-bit PC Card only!) will work fine. The touchscreen patch is relatively new. The only hold up to a fully functional, operational linbook seems to be that no power management is available (you can’t turn the linBook off!). There is no support for sound yet. Other useful hints may be found on the Linux on Psion 5MX HOWTO (http://linux-7110.sourceforge.net/howtos/series5mx_new/index.htm). The netBook and 5MX systems have considerable similarity. Offer (May 2006): An infrared modem is offered for free (shipped anywhere in the world) to anyone who posts a patch for the netbook kernel that enables infrared. However, a patch for proper PCMCIA support is considered more critical and will take precedence if posted prior to, or within a few days of, the infrared patch. Please send inquiries or patches to the OpenPsion mail list. PDF Version of this HOWTO (netHOWTO.pdf) (1.4 MB) Please post information, questions, FAQ (with answers?) to the openpsion mail list (mailto:[email protected]). Table of Contents 1. Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................................................................6 2. Credits........................................................................................................................................................................6 3. Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................7 3.1. A Note to EPOC Users Thinking of Migrating to Linux ...............................................................................7 3.2. What Works, Generally ..................................................................................................................................7 3.3. What Doesn’t Work, Specifically...................................................................................................................8 3.4. The netBook Specifications............................................................................................................................8 3.5. The Booting Problem ...................................................................................................................................10 3.6. Malaysian netBooks .....................................................................................................................................10 4. Installation to Initrd ...............................................................................................................................................10 4.1. Getting the things you need..........................................................................................................................11 4.2. Backup EPOC ..............................................................................................................................................11 4.3. Configure ArLo ............................................................................................................................................11 4.4. Booting and Rebooting.................................................................................................................................12 5. Installation to Compactflash ..................................................................................................................................13 5.1. Getting the things you need..........................................................................................................................14 5.2. Configure ArLo ............................................................................................................................................14 5.3. Repartition your Compactflash Card............................................................................................................15 5.4. Swap Space Comments ................................................................................................................................15 5.5. Install the new system on the Compactflash Card........................................................................................16 5.6. Alternate Installation: An OS.IMG for linux ...............................................................................................16 5.7. Appendix: The /linuxrc script ......................................................................................................................16 6. Using Bookboot - the Linux OS.img......................................................................................................................17 6.1. Making your own OS.img............................................................................................................................18 6.2. Memory Configuration.................................................................................................................................18 7. Using ArLo - Booting Linux from EPOC.............................................................................................................18 7.1. Introduction/Example Configuration File ....................................................................................................19 7.2. ArLo Kernel Memory Configuration Options..............................................................................................20 7.3. Howto Boot ArLo First in EPOC.................................................................................................................20 7.4. ArLo Memory Limitations...........................................................................................................................21 8. X Windows...............................................................................................................................................................21 8.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................21 8.2. A Working X Server.....................................................................................................................................21 8.3. Touch Screen ................................................................................................................................................22 8.4. Using Keylaunch ..........................................................................................................................................24 8.5. X modules ....................................................................................................................................................25 8.6. Keys..............................................................................................................................................................25 8.7. X Window Managers....................................................................................................................................25 8.8. Alternate Window Systems - Microwindows, Opie, Picogui, Minigui........................................................27 8.9. Debugging Notes..........................................................................................................................................27 8.10. Alternate (not altogether working) X Servers ............................................................................................27 9. Optimization and Adjustments..............................................................................................................................28 9.1. Settings in /proc/...........................................................................................................................................28 9.1.1. /proc/sys/vm/laptop_mode...............................................................................................................28 9.1.2. /proc/sys/cpu/0/................................................................................................................................28 9.1.3. /proc/netbook/..................................................................................................................................28 9.2. IDE Disk Performance .................................................................................................................................29 9.3. System and Hardware Clocks.......................................................................................................................29 10. Applications ...........................................................................................................................................................29 10.1. Installing Packages.....................................................................................................................................29