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Lineo and Embedded Linux on the Move
plaXion writes, "Here's a CNET.com story on how Lineo has taken major steps forward in its effort to sell Linux software for use in TV set-top boxes and other non-PC devices by signing agreements with six Taiwanese electronics manufacturers, Korean electronics giant Samsung, and Korean computing and communications firm DaiShin. In addition they have acquired Rt-Control, which is creating a version of Linux for devices even farther removed from regular computers such as cell phones, digital cameras and even cars. "
The situation with Lineo is exactly the same. You can grab source code to the Open Source components, copy the binaries and do whatever you want with them. Some items in the Embedix distribution are not Open Source, and so you may not copy the aggregate, just like you couldn't copy the theoretical version of Win 2000 mentioned above. Suppose that Red Hat included a copy of MetroX. You couldn't copy the aggregate and share with all your friends. You could only copy the Open Source parts.
Furthermore, Lineo has a solid committment to the Open Source community. Ever visit http://busybox.lineo.com/ or http://tinylogin.lineo.com/? The main reason these exist in their current form and are available to the community is because Lineo has paid me to work on them and release them. Keep in mind that these are the fundamental building blocks of Embedix. Want to build your own embedded Linux distro, grab these and you are mostly there. Why would Lineo pay me to release these? Because it is realised that Open Source works. It works and is the Right Thing(tm) to do.
-Erik -- --This message was written using 73% post-consumer electrons--
my home entertainment system is already powered by linux :-)
``If a program can't rewrite its own code, what good is it?'' - Mel
LOL
How about writing a script that would mow my lawn for me? (I wonder how you would set the parameters for that...temporarily hook a keyboard and monitor up to your lawn mower?)
=================================
I pledge allegiance to the flag...
of the Corporate States of America...
If you look closely, you can see the Rolex and the Tux-pin...
They are doing neat things with Linux, and maybe
they help by making a name for Linux, but their
strength is in mixing Linux with their own
intellectual property.
Be very careful... I predict they will be the
first "big name" company to violate the GPL.
Using Linux for things like MP3 players and such... is... silly. The line gets hazier when we talk about video devices, but my point remains. Do you really need all of that overhead and extra power? Now you're going to say, "What overhead, are you an idiot? Compare Linux to Win2k, THERE'S overhead..." All the same. I will acknowledge that there are legitimate uses for Linux in embedded applications, but it seems to me that the majority of the people here who scream "YES!!!!!" at the announcement of such a device want it simply because it runs their favorite OS.
I always feel like a geezer when I talk about this stuff (and I'm only 19) but all these object-oriented compilers, spare CPU cycles, hundreds of megs or RAM, etc... It just makes us so darned sloppy. Call it "good programming practice" if you want, but Java or C++ is no way to write good, tight, efficient code. It's the same as with using Linux to run my hypothetical MP3 player. Sure, we can do it. But can you imagine how much better a solution could be that's made for it?
I'm a Forth fan, myself. Get yourself a good processor that's made for it, get yourself some coders that know what they're doing that can make you a custom solution, and they'll probably be kicking the rival company's Linux version all over the place. I don't want to start a flame war (hehe.. :) or anything, but I just think that jumping on the old Linux bandwagon just for the sake of running Linux is silly.
Disclaimer: Linux is pretty stinkin cool, and a joy to program on. I love it. It's not perfect for every situation, though.
There is something pretty cool about a TV that runs Linux -- to ME. But to a user, who will never try to port DOOM to it, or use it for anything other than its intended purpose... Just seems to me we could be a lot more efficient. If you're building an embedded device in your garage, then by all means make it run Linux. But if you're a big company with the resources... putting out a commercial product with a specific purpose... Make it as good as you can. And that, probably, would mean working from the ground up.
The streets shall flow with the blood of the Guberminky.
How can they do what they do without abiding by the GPL?? Lineo is based on linux and therefore is GPL! I can give it to my friends,relatives,publish the sourcecode on billboards,etc... Yet they REQUIRE a royalty based distribution agreement. WHat is up? Why?? It's linux with a little bit of hacking done to it (Dont even try to tell me that lineo wrote as much as the kernel has in it, that's pure BS.)
It's Linux, I'm gonna give out copies of it, Lineo can Byte me.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
check out http://busybox.lineo.com..most of their stuff is downloadable but not advertised on their site.
Well, better a Linux variant, not a Windows one! Just think... your applicances crash, and what do you get? Burnt toast, sour milk, lots of static, maybe even a huge load of really soapy dishes! Oh, and make sure you have good security, or you might wake up in the morning to cold coffee and think, "Those darn hackers!!"
Who, Red Hat? They will (maybe?) be distributing RealNetworks stuff soon. There's nothing wrong with using non-free software on a free OS. Linux can't be mainstream and completely free -- once it reaches a critical mass, non-free (commercial) software will start appearing - and already has: Applixware, Loki's games, commercial XServers, etc.
Caldera has been very good in giving stuff to the linux
- --------
community. They gave the COAS admin system, their distribution
and graphical install system is free too. I don't see why they
would change their mind over Lineo. Ok, so they changed their
mind over OpenDOS. Hmm. But that was their, right, they
bought it.
-----------------------------------------------
UNIX isn't dead, it just smells funny...
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UNIX isn't dead, it just sme
I mean, they do use perl, the language of license abusers (you know who I mean). It's obviously rubbed off on them. So that's why you should use Python: the completely sterotype-free language for non-aged persons.
I realise this may seem obvious but their idea of keyboard free, web tv, doesnt hold any water with me. If you are interested in going online then you will get a computer, if you just want the best tv then you might not want to pay extra for it to be web-enabled. Suppose you have no choice, you get the web, never used it before and your hooked, before you know it you've bought a keyboard for the set top box, and then maybe a year later they develop a mouse for it. You'll soon realise that you have in fact got a computer than can run only a limited number of games and do a limited number of things and your paying over the odds for it.
So to clarify, they wont get people using their boxes until its more than just web access. Another point is my grandmother has trouble vchanging the chanel on the tv, no because shes blind or sick or ill, she just doesn't like it. The vcr has been taken away for someone to use, a web pad in her house will be useless. I only hope shell be able to manage digital tv when its forced on her in a few years time.
sorry, lost the plot. The point is it will be too much for too little. Think Amiga from Escom onwards.
What I'm wondering is, is this going to turn out to be another "exploit the GPL, violate GPL, IPO it for all they can squeeze, then get out" scenario. A certain Linux distributor comes to mind. . .
:) is the only asset a corporation has to sustain a certain market lead and recover the investment through licensing fees, most of those companies won't be pleased if their IP and trade secrets are published in source code form. I know most of us wouldn't take advantadge of a situation like that, but struggling companies would because when you're hungry (For success, money or food) good intentions don't matter...
Two things there, first you can mix and match the GPL with other licenses including non-open ones (We had that discussion over the LinuxCE mailing list with some insightful responses, check the digest in http://www.linuxce.org ) as long as you satisfy all requirements, for the GPL it is to release the source with the binaries of all GPL derived work.
The second thing comes not from Caldera but from harware manufacturers themselves, in a world where profit margins are reducing each day, IP (Intellectual Property in case anyone didn't get it
Caldera (Which I don't use, I'm a happy SuSE user) has been good to the community just like Red Hat, Cygnus, Terra Soft or SuSE have been... only problem here is that they need to be profitable or else they won't exist, and THEY ARE a necessity in order to get the application base to grow with quality products... it had to happen, someday the cool idealism of the Linux community had to face the cold face of corporate consumerism, and until now the results have been positive even with the presence of such sour grapes like LinuxOne...
ZoeSch
I hate to agree with davecrazy but...
Microsoft is really a good example. After they "lost" he trial and this judge spoke of Bill Gates as the devil of all times (metaphorically), they haven't been at all better. One should beleive the company at least slowed down their hyper-licencing and stuff to show the court "We're cool". Have anyone seen that happen?
All right. We all want this to be a good world with free software, cheap hardware, no wars, plages or crime. But as long as there are countries worshipping capital like USA, what can you do? Roy
Your mouse moved. Windows must be restarted for the change to take effect.
Computers are like air conditioners.
- They stop working when you open Windows.
Linux powered Hi-Fi...
http://sanosuke.thekeep.org/mp3cd/
If it ain't a gut feeling, go think it over again...
I'm not positive, but I think he meant LinuxOne.
that "Linux in Business" icon, is just too cool.
Someone here DIDN'T do their homework before posting!
All they did is removing unneeded parts of the kernel, and all the rest is written as modules. Now - you may want to know that Linus said that releasing modules as binary only is OK!
Grow up! Do some Research before you post!
Hetz (Heunique)
The source code has been posted on our FTP site for weeks now.
Oh wait, this is Slashdot, Linux 0wnz U. Moderate me up.
by entertainment system i meant something more a bit more powerful.
;-)
like a system that:
plays cd, mp3, dvd;
rips cd, dvd;
records cd;
ah, and i can use it to browse the web, download things, read slashdot, shop online...
very entertaining. and powered by linux
``If a program can't rewrite its own code, what good is it?'' - Mel
Do you also use the alias ZoeScanner on the hactivism mailing list? If so, I like your comments.
Yea, but they hadn't finished drawing the icon.
What about the allegations of possible GPL violations by LINEO. Discussed even on linux-kernel? They have neitehr posted source, nor disclosed quite a lot their stuff the last time I had a look.
Baker's Law: Misery no longer loves company. Nowadays it insists on it
http://www.sigsegv.cx/
lineo != linux
Not sure if I'm tired of Linux business stories yet or not, but I like the icon for it.
I was at home last night, and the thought crossed my mind that wouldn't it be great if I could immediately flick between watching terrestrial TV and web-pages.
:)
Then the sickening thought entered my mind, In a couple of years I could be flicking between TV and Windows er or BSOD. So I immediately resolved to do something - immediately
So I went up stairs and grabbed my linux box (which nearly killed me as it was in a server tower) and carted it down stairs. Next I spent an hour and a half hunting around for my external encoder card (rare kit these days).
Once I connected all the kit up next to the TV, I tuned in my encoder - et voilla Internet enabled TV; just flick channels.
Now until decent web/tv appliances come along, I'll be using this: and it is useful (to me).
Just one thing that I would like to point out to manufacturers, a 10BaseT network adapter would be nice because some of us have more than one appliance connected to the internet at any one time
Ripping an new rectum in the fabric of spacetime.
Does anybody have any good articles on the differences between Linux for embedded systems and other operating systems, like CE? Who has any opinions it? The thing is I heard some mixed reactions on the subject and I have absolutely no idea who to belief.
Use Adsense for Charity
While Linux itself can be downloaded for free, Lineo hopes to make money by licensing proprietary software as well, in particular, programming tools that will make it easier to create software for their computing devices. The company ultimately plans an initial public offering. Embedix is based on a version of Linux from Lineo's sister company, Caldera Systems.
What I'm wondering is, is this going to turn out to be another "exploit the GPL, violate GPL, IPO it for all they can squeeze, then get out" scenario. A certain Linux distributor comes to mind. . .
More race stuff in one place,
than any one place on the net.
Your idiocy makes Anonymous Cowards everywhere look bad.
To be pedantic, linux != perl.
to be realistic, no one in their right mind would use Perl for such things.
that's why we have Ada, right?
Appliances with Linux, cool!
I have allways wanted to write Perl scripts for food processors and lawn mowers. That'll be great!
:-) = I am happy
:^) = I am happy with my big nose
C:\> = I am happy with my OS
With the current trend towards handheld WAP enabled devices this is the area that is going to see the next big growth explosion.
I am glad that the operating system choice in this area increasing. While we do have some notable choices at the moment (everything from PalmOS to Windows CE) it is good to be able to choose a linux derivative.
Even if you don't want to use it atleast the competition will make the others work harder.
"Do you think we could wipe out world hunger forever if scientists figured out how to make AOL's Free CD's edible?"-
And people are complainign about LinuxOne...
Linux seems the obvious choice for Sub-PC and embedded platforms. It is much thinner than WinCE, and I expect to see many devices powered from Linux. Soon our EFI systems and ABS brakes will be Linux operated, as well as our Home Entertainment System.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like this article about Java is the oldest slashdot article, posted back on March 23, 1997. It doesn't even have any comments -- just a summary.
If you want to see what an MS-DOJ article looks like with only 6 comments, look over here. My favorite of the early ones still has to be this one. Even back then, slashdot was having a little bit of trouble with disappearing stories.
"If one is really a superior person, the fact is likely to leak out without too much assistance" -- John Andrew Holmes
It seems to me that Slashdot is heavy on Palm/Transmeta/Linux news but very short on information from the Symbian group (Nokia, Ericsson, Psion et al). They've been developing WAP enabled devices based on the highly succesful and robust EPOC operating system for quite some time now.
Its interesting news to see Linux moving into a new area but in this sort of arena the current leaders live on the other side of the Atlantic, check out Symbian or Psion and A release from Nokia for an overview on the reasons for Symbian and the Bluetooth initative.
An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi
Who is going to use BeIA if there are free Linux versions which do the same thing? For embedded systems, the features which make BeOS attractive are meaningless. Linux will rule the embedded applications sector, leaving third-rate cruft like Be far behind, where they belong, clinging to the glory days of yesteryear like so much rotten cabbage.