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I'm not sure why this was modded offtopic.

s/English/ASCII/ and I got plenty of complaints along those lines in my mailbox over the years. Supporting Asian languages can be expensive in terms of processing time. Japanese companies *can* be insular, been there done that. I have no experience with the CKV part.

Fortunately the state of the art in computing hardware has improved over the years and it's not as expensive as it used to be.

Their English web presence leaves something to be desired, but I agree with their mission statement - http://www.m17n.org/index.html Those are the guys who first did Asian language support for emacs. I worked with them for a year in Japan.

1. You're gonna need multiple Linux flavors and versions from multiple sources that specialized in these platforms.
   
   • ALPHA
     
   • ARM
     
   • I686
     
   • IA64
     
   • M68K
     
   • PowerPC PenguiPPC Denx
     
   • MIPS
     
   • S390
     
   • SuperH
     
   • UltraSPARC
     
   • X86_64
     
   
   
2. To determine which versions of crosstool (compiler, linkers, debugger), check out The Matrix Guy (Dan Kegel), or more specifically THE MATRIX of workable gcc/g++/ld/gdb.
   
3. To ease your pain of figuring out the "./configure" options, definitely checkout PTXDist. Menuconfig is similar to Linux 'make menuconfig'. PTXDist also help to build a root file system in a jiffy, which in my book, is a PLUS!
   

the broadband adapter IS significant if you're going to use the machine as a lightweight linux server. There's also schematics available for an IDE/Ethernet bridge for the ISA port.

links:

http://www.m17n.org/linux-sh/dreamcast/
http://dreamcast.fuzzymuzzle.com/dc-ide.htm

This makes me wonder how ol' Dreamcast Linux is coming along...

The Hitachi SuperH processor is 128bit. It's popularly known implementation was in the Sega Dreamcast entertainmant console. Linux has already been ported to it, and it is a verry good system for people to experiment in the realm beyond 64bit computing.

Here are the more popular Dreamcast with GNU/Linux URLs that I have known...

http://www.fivemouse.com/dclinux.html
http://linuxdc.sourceforge.net/
http://www.m17n.org/linux-sh/dreamcast/

The m17n library allow you to view and type complex text languages like Indic, Arabic, Hebrew and other languages. While this is possible by using QT3.2+ & GTK2.0+pango, this restricted one to just 2 toolkits and to two heavyweight desktops(XFCE4 is the exception though). The library is also a good compromise between a toolkit dependent solution like pango/QT3.2 and Server based solutions like the doomed Indix and STSF.

The screenshots here show firefox and magicpoint, applications that use different toolkits displaying multilinugal texts. I have even seen but not used windowmaker rpms compiled with m17n support.

A very practical example would be something like Damn Small Linux, which is a pretty lightweight live CD in both disk size (~50 MB) and Memory usage (runs on 64 MB RAM). This was ideal for a school near my place that wanted to use it as a teaching resource but wanted it in their native language. I finally am settling for XFCE4 and GTK2 applications like OO.o, Firefox.

The keyboard solutions were too rudimentary, in the case of xkb for phonetic keymaps for indian languages or too buggy and complex, in the case of IIIMF. M17n was a joy to use from day one and rpms for Mandrake 10.1 & debs for Ubuntu/Debian unstable are available.

The m17n library allow you to view and type complex text languages like Indic, Arabic, Hebrew and other languages. While this is possible by using QT3.2+ & GTK2.0+pango, this restricted one to just 2 toolkits and to two heavyweight desktops(XFCE4 is the exception though). The library is also a good compromise between a toolkit dependent solution like pango/QT3.2 and Server based solutions like the doomed Indix and STSF.

The screenshots here show firefox and magicpoint, applications that use different toolkits displaying multilinugal texts. I have even seen but not used windowmaker rpms compiled with m17n support.

A very practical example would be something like Damn Small Linux, which is a pretty lightweight live CD in both disk size (~50 MB) and Memory usage (runs on 64 MB RAM). This was ideal for a school near my place that wanted to use it as a teaching resource but wanted it in their native language. I finally am settling for XFCE4 and GTK2 applications like OO.o, Firefox.

The keyboard solutions were too rudimentary, in the case of xkb for phonetic keymaps for indian languages or too buggy and complex, in the case of IIIMF. M17n was a joy to use from day one and rpms for Mandrake 10.1 & debs for Ubuntu/Debian unstable are available.

The m17n library allow you to view and type complex text languages like Indic, Arabic, Hebrew and other languages. While this is possible by using QT3.2+ & GTK2.0+pango, this restricted one to just 2 toolkits and to two heavyweight desktops(XFCE4 is the exception though). The library is also a good compromise between a toolkit dependent solution like pango/QT3.2 and Server based solutions like the doomed Indix and STSF.

The screenshots here show firefox and magicpoint, applications that use different toolkits displaying multilinugal texts. I have even seen but not used windowmaker rpms compiled with m17n support.

A very practical example would be something like Damn Small Linux, which is a pretty lightweight live CD in both disk size (~50 MB) and Memory usage (runs on 64 MB RAM). This was ideal for a school near my place that wanted to use it as a teaching resource but wanted it in their native language. I finally am settling for XFCE4 and GTK2 applications like OO.o, Firefox.

The keyboard solutions were too rudimentary, in the case of xkb for phonetic keymaps for indian languages or too buggy and complex, in the case of IIIMF. M17n was a joy to use from day one and rpms for Mandrake 10.1 & debs for Ubuntu/Debian unstable are available.

The m17n library allow you to view and type complex text languages like Indic, Arabic, Hebrew and other languages. While this is possible by using QT3.2+ & GTK2.0+pango, this restricted one to just 2 toolkits and to two heavyweight desktops(XFCE4 is the exception though). The library is also a good compromise between a toolkit dependent solution like pango/QT3.2 and Server based solutions like the doomed Indix and STSF.

The screenshots here show firefox and magicpoint, applications that use different toolkits displaying multilinugal texts. I have even seen but not used windowmaker rpms compiled with m17n support.

A very practical example would be something like Damn Small Linux, which is a pretty lightweight live CD in both disk size (~50 MB) and Memory usage (runs on 64 MB RAM). This was ideal for a school near my place that wanted to use it as a teaching resource but wanted it in their native language. I finally am settling for XFCE4 and GTK2 applications like OO.o, Firefox.

The keyboard solutions were too rudimentary, in the case of xkb for phonetic keymaps for indian languages or too buggy and complex, in the case of IIIMF. M17n was a joy to use from day one and rpms for Mandrake 10.1 & debs for Ubuntu/Debian unstable are available.

The m17n library allow you to view and type complex text languages like Indic, Arabic, Hebrew and other languages. While this is possible by using QT3.2+ & GTK2.0+pango, this restricted one to just 2 toolkits and to two heavyweight desktops(XFCE4 is the exception though). The library is also a good compromise between a toolkit dependent solution like pango/QT3.2 and Server based solutions like the doomed Indix and STSF.

The screenshots here show firefox and magicpoint, applications that use different toolkits displaying multilinugal texts. I have even seen but not used windowmaker rpms compiled with m17n support.

A very practical example would be something like Damn Small Linux, which is a pretty lightweight live CD in both disk size (~50 MB) and Memory usage (runs on 64 MB RAM). This was ideal for a school near my place that wanted to use it as a teaching resource but wanted it in their native language. I finally am settling for XFCE4 and GTK2 applications like OO.o, Firefox.

The keyboard solutions were too rudimentary, in the case of xkb for phonetic keymaps for indian languages or too buggy and complex, in the case of IIIMF. M17n was a joy to use from day one and rpms for Mandrake 10.1 & debs for Ubuntu/Debian unstable are available.

The m17n library allow you to view and type complex text languages like Indic, Arabic, Hebrew and other languages. While this is possible by using QT3.2+ & GTK2.0+pango, this restricted one to just 2 toolkits and to two heavyweight desktops(XFCE4 is the exception though). The library is also a good compromise between a toolkit dependent solution like pango/QT3.2 and Server based solutions like the doomed Indix and STSF.

The screenshots here show firefox and magicpoint, applications that use different toolkits displaying multilinugal texts. I have even seen but not used windowmaker rpms compiled with m17n support.

A very practical example would be something like Damn Small Linux, which is a pretty lightweight live CD in both disk size (~50 MB) and Memory usage (runs on 64 MB RAM). This was ideal for a school near my place that wanted to use it as a teaching resource but wanted it in their native language. I finally am settling for XFCE4 and GTK2 applications like OO.o, Firefox.

The keyboard solutions were too rudimentary, in the case of xkb for phonetic keymaps for indian languages or too buggy and complex, in the case of IIIMF. M17n was a joy to use from day one and rpms for Mandrake 10.1 & debs for Ubuntu/Debian unstable are available.

According to the community site, the Sony Linux kit was launched on May 22nd, 2002, however there was a Beta program sometime in 2001 (the site I'm referencing doesn't give a date for the beta). As for the Dreamcast Linux port, the earliest image I can find on the FTP server is April 1st, 2001. The site for the distribution itself has a timestamp of June 6th, 2001, which is probably just saying that the site hasn't seen any updates in years.

According to the community site, the Sony Linux kit was launched on May 22nd, 2002, however there was a Beta program sometime in 2001 (the site I'm referencing doesn't give a date for the beta). As for the Dreamcast Linux port, the earliest image I can find on the FTP server is April 1st, 2001. The site for the distribution itself has a timestamp of June 6th, 2001, which is probably just saying that the site hasn't seen any updates in years.

Some links:

Indlinux A project localising FLOSS apps into Hindi and providing support for other teams working on other Indian languages.

Indlinux wiki has got a fortnightly newsletter and other pieces of info.

Kannada Localisation Initiative a project localising and translating FLOSS applications into Kannada

Indic computing project Similar to Indlinux in structure, but focussing on documentation and support for ISV's, linguists and Developers

When the Dreamcast first came out, I abhorred it for a number of reasons, such as lackluster 1st party games, poor 3rd party support and just a general disdain for Sega's marketing (their track record isn't so hot in that department). But right now, I'm loving the Dreamcast :-)

Right about now, the Dreamcast is somewhat prematurely in its "glory day". While most Dreamcast games sucked to no end, it had many decent PC ports (Quake III, Unreal Tournament) and a handful of other good games. Generally, you can find these games in the bargain bin at GameStop for $5-$15, usually new. The Dreamcast's current online pricepoint is often less than a new GBA game, and usually is bundled with some games. Frankly, if you're a cheap gamer who doesn't have a lot of time, the Dreamcast is the way to go.

But the main appeal of the Dreamcast to me is the "geek" community that's brought Linux, BSD and most of the APIs that they connonate (Hell, you can even use Windows APIs for the built in Windows CE ROM). This is great for people like me who want to get their feet wet with basic game development for consoles, but don't have time to learn a hacked-up graphics API, or for someone who just is looking for a fun weekend project. It makes me happy to see that the Dreamcast homebrew community is still alive and kicking, and I'm hoping that this kind of thing will continue for a while.

Not Emacs, but Mule

Lourens

Let me get this straight, are you seriously suggesting that being first to market now is a disadvantage? That coming out first is being 1 year behind?

It's counterintutitive, but it does make anecdotal sense. Think about the Dreamcast, first to market, less sophisticated than (at least, poorer graphics than) the PS2, GC, or XBox, and ultimately, the first to go.

Really sad, since the Dreamcast was relatively DRM-less, and it can not only run Linux "out of the box" (by the way, someone should port Knoppix to...), but even after Sega has dropped support for the console, it supports a healthy homebrew community. I use it for MAME, etc. on my TV with actual game controllers. (Also, you can pick a used Dreamcast up at Electronic Botique for $19.99 these days...)

can you run linux on it?

I've done some light hacking on the Dreamcast, and have my Linux box mountable as an NFS volume over a coder's cable (helps when programming for the DC :-)). I've been looking over material on the web for DC hacking for a few months, and I have yet to see anyone actually upgrading the memory of a DC. But why let that stop you?

The two sites I've found helpful for DC hardware info:

1. DCEmulation.com is a general-purpose DIY Dreamcast site. There's a variety of info available here.

2. Dreamcast Programming - Marcus Comstedt's excellent hardware reference for the DC.

If you get anywhere with this, please post your results to DCEmulation.com. I'd love to hear about it.

For anyone else interested in running in booting Linux on their DC, the DC Linux site is here.

Windows users will find a a "burn it and run it" Disk Juggler version of Dreamcast Linux here.

Recent DCs wont run CDRs. Also, I have no idea what's at fivemouse, but you can also get DC Linux here or other versions from a variety of places.

Personally, I have used it for about a year now, just tinkering really, and it's pretty kewl.

With all the hype of Xbox, Gamecube, and even remaining hype of PS2, people seem to forget that lonely Sega Dreamcast sitting on the bottom shelf for $80. It runs linux! It has an ethernet port! It's the ultimate geek hacking toy for Christmas. Info here.

Second, the linux port (Debian!) for this processor is already stable, homepage: http://www.m17n.org/linux-sh/, all we'd need to know is what kind of display it will have.

hehe, ok that was a pretty lame attempt to add a link. Here's a better link to the screenshot.

It has a 200Mhz Hitachi SH-4 processor, 16MB of system RAM, 8MB of video RAM, a seperate ARM7 core (with 2MB ram) for audio, ... the list goes on. You can find a lot more info here and here.

You didn't really specify in your post how big or small of a system you're looking to target, but for a small net appliance and/or hobbyist 2D/3D gfx fun, nothing out there (in my opinion) tops the DC.

In the US a base DC is now only $99, and the 10/100Mbit ethernet adapter ranges from $50-70, depending on where you find it (e.g. the cheapest would be eBay, but Sega also sells them). A keyboard and mouse will probably run you about $10-25 apiece.

Current OSes scrambling for exposure in the DC arena include:

Dan Potter's KallistiOS (the first native DC OS),

NetBSD/Dreamcast,

Our very own LinuxDC Project, and

There's even a port of RedHat's eCos underway!

M. R.

http://www.m17n.org/linux-sh/
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