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AOL Making a Linux Box?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the for-grandma-and-junior dept.

bearded.duane writes "America Online is considering the Linux operating system as one option for running an inexpensive Internet access device, according to sources familiar with the project. "

1 of 82 comments (clear)

  1. Linux and low memory footprints by Rayban · · Score: 4

    I have to disagree with this point here:


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    However, Sean Kaldor, also of IDC, was more cautious about using Linux in smaller devices. "The advantage is zero cost per unit. The disadvantage is that it's big and will require some engineering" to fit into small devices. The balance will be in choosing between paying for an operating system already designed for small devices and paying for the larger memory requirements of Linux, he said.
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    Look at all the portable Linux projects right now, like Linux for the Palm platform, etc. It can be run in a small memory footprint, if memory serves me correct (2.0.x could run in 4MB or so). I believe WinCE needs at least 8MB (or possibly more) to run.

    It won't require engineering if you actually take a look at the low-memory Linux projects already available! I think that people have to realize that Linux isn't just a 500MB install... it's a highly configurable system that can run on nearly anything.

    I'd say the biggest problem would be porting Linux to the portable platform, but most of the major platforms already have Linux support.

    I wouldn't mind trying Linux for the Dragonball (PalmPilots), but I'd need a PP first :)

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    æeee!