Install Linux on an iPaq

1
Install Linux on an iPaq

• Ken Steele
• Sept 20, 2001
• Steele_at_lcs.mit.edu

2
Web Resources

• http//handhelds.org
• http//familiar.handhelds.org
• http//oxy.lcs.mit.edu

3
Familiar v0.5

• Latest release (still in Beta)
• Based on Debian

4
Installation Steps

• Download bootloader and root file system

5
Pitfalls

• Loading the boot loader If this step fails, it
  might require opening the iPaq. This is the only
  dangerous step.
• Keep the battery charged There are reports that
  the batteries die when left completely discharged
• Login root, Password rootme

6
More Pitfalls

• Filling the filesystem on JFFS2 locks up system
  and might require rebooting
• No Flow Control in terminal emulator connected to
  serial port

7
Familiar Packages

• Recommended packages
• task-familiar-complete
• gtk-menu
• menu-tiny
• bash
• vim
• pcmcia-cs
• pcmcia-modules-2.4.7-rmk3-np1-devfs
• ssh

8
Useful Commands

• ntpdate time.mit.edu
• cardctl eject and cardctl insert
• mount t nfs o nolock ra.lcs.mit.edu/ipaq /ipaq
• ifconfig