we need some volunteers to test some linux distros to see how far we get.

Is anyone with an Eo or Q1 and a USB-stick and/or USB CDROM prepared to do a bit of Linux boot testing?

I've seen details of previous failures and have been discussing it with friends. The problem before could be that everyone tried standard live-cd's from the USB CD-ROM. Most (in fact probably all of them that have been tried.) don't boot from USB-CDROM.

So, what someone needs to do is take one of the ideas below and see they work.
In fact, the best place to start is probably Pendrivelinux. From there I have chosen a few distributions that I think will be worth the effort to try.

If I had a UMPC in front of me now id try Damn Small Linux. It has boot-from-USB-stick capability and also an install from windows option. The How-To is here. This is probably the most developed of the boot-from-stick distributions.
You could also try Puppy Linux. which is a small one that should boot from a USB CD-ROM.

These two distros are reduced versions that have most programs you need on them but are probably best only used for the proof of concept we're doing here.

If they work (and hardware is recognised) you could move on to try Knoppix. There's an FAQ available on how to change it to boot from USB-CDROM. You'll need another Linux box and some Linux skill to create the new ISO but if it works you'll have pretty much a full Linux instalation.

I'm not aware that any of the main distributions have boot-from-USB-CDROM capability but i'd be tempted to try Suse 10.1 which has just been released.

Lets see if we can enhance the market for these UMPC's. If the linux crowd get on board, we could see the market grow which will benefit everyone.

Any takers?

I think we have the first recorded succesful boot of Linux completed already.

Reposted from my journal comments:

Quote:

Well done John. Its a great step forward. You've actually managed to boot linux.

Since yesterday I've been looking further into this. There are already tabletpc versions of Linux distributions which will help. Take a look at these links:

Tuxmobil - Touchscreen laptops.
Tuxmobile - Tablet PC linux
Groundstate - Tablet PC linux software.
Linux Laptop - A lot of info here.

Lycoris used to have a tablet-pc edition of its software but they got bought by Mandriva.I'm not sure the status of their tabletpc support now.

Quote:

Its interesting the the boot from USB works John. Did you try again from a USB CDROM?

Steve.

Useful forum post here.

From the knoppix boot prompt you should try:

Quote:

But to me, that would disable the USB altogether. A response mentions:

Quote:

As we've got 800x480 screens, try this:

Quote:


I suspect there will be a lot of work to get Wifi and touch working after this. Maybe some guys from the Epios community can help with VIA unichrome drivers too.

Steve

I think UMPC will support any Linux distribtion except if U want to run graphical interface. I'm always waiting to have the Q1 in Canada to test some distribution from Compact flash or Live cd distribution.

Graphical interface shouldn't be any problem. There are already small-screen distibutions (The Nokia 770 used Linux) and also support for some touch screen interfaces. If only I had a device!

Steve.

A couple of pointers for anyone trying to boot from USB CDROM or USB stick (or even your mobile phone as a USB mass storage device!)

With the VIA EPIA Mini-itx boards you have to make sure that you insert the USB device while the power is off. (I had to remove the DC power completely on my board, insert the USB devices and then re-attach the power.) The same trick might be required for the VIA-based UMPCs

Secondly, a number of distributions don't contain drivers for USB-CDROM or HDD drives on the boot kernel. Versions that boot direct from USB CDROM are:

Damn Small linux (try booting with the framebuffer options to get a 800x600 screen) (Live CD and USB stick)
Knoppix 3.4 (also has framebuffer options on boot-up) Live CD
Knopmyth mythtv distribution R5A16. Live CD
Mandriva one 2006 livecd.


Failed: (will require a re-build with the correct drivers)
Suse 8.2 Live CD
Epios Live CD


To try:
Mandriva (potentially good touchscreen support) install.
Ubuntu breezy badger (install)
Puppy Linux (i suspect this one WILL work) (live CD)
Suse 10.1 (liveCD and install)

I also have to try the Epios and Ubuntu install from USB-CDROM onto a USB-HDD (full install) This requires some tricks. See here

Ubuntu apparently has touchscreen support.
Here's one success story.

I didn't get the Paceblade UMPC yesterday so it will probably be here on Monday when I will test further.

Steve

I noticed you got the PaceBlade today keep us posted if you get anything running on it well.

Well linux boots quite easily.
Ubuntu and Damn Small Linux (based on Knoppix) booted OK.
Some device support is missing as so it requires some effort to pull in the required packages and libraries before its useable.



Here's a shot of Damn small linux running anyway. (booted from a Nokia 6280 as a USB drive) Just to prove it boots!

Steve.