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Linux on an IPAQ

PostPosted: Mon Apr 15, 2002 6:32 pm
by neosensa
I was wondering if any one here had taken on the task of installing linux on an Ipaq. I have been checking around some other sites and there is mention of a dual boot setup and a setup that uses the CF card to boot up linux and still have Windows CE still installed. There is also mention of turning your Ipaq into a "brick" is that a situation that is not reversable or just temporary because nothing will load until you reload the OS again. I have no experience in Linux at all But I looking for some guidelines are far as what is the best route to take. Dual booting or not.

Good luck

PostPosted: Tue Apr 16, 2002 8:07 am
by TiGuy
I have ran Linux on a Casio E-100 from a CF. Just remember to back up your Ipaq because it will wipe all you info away when it boots. Your OS will still be there but your data will be gone. I would also suggest that you learn LInux before attempting this. Linux and Kismet are great on the Ipaq.

Re: Linux on an IPAQ

PostPosted: Tue Apr 16, 2002 8:31 am
by Thorn
Originally posted by neosensa
<snip> ... I have no experience in Linux at all But I looking for some guidelines are far as what is the best route to take. ... <snip>


As TiGuy said, learn Linux first.

1) Get someone to give you an old P-100 or something similar to experiment with; any x86 will do. Even a 386 will work if you really want to try that!

2) Grab a copy of any distribution you'd like to try, and install it. Hell, I bought some Netgear stuff recently and the latest distro of Mandrake on CD was thrown in free. Lots of them can be downloaded for free too.

3a) Stock up on Jolt or your favorite caffinated beverage.

3b) Play with Linux. A lot. It is not easier or harder to learn than Windows, but it is different. Learn the command line. Crash and burn a few times on hardware and software installs. Try different GUIs. Teach yourself how to manipulate the hardware. A month or two of evenings should do it. (You might wish to send the wife and kids somewhere in the meantime. This will keep those annoying distractions to a minimum. :D )

4) NOW, do the install to the handheld.

The above plan is guaranteed to absolutely, positively keep cries of "Help my new expensive handheld doesn't seem to work anymore!" to a reasonable level. ;) And if you do get to that point, you'll at least be able to help with the diagnosis.

Enjoy!

PostPosted: Wed Apr 17, 2002 12:53 am
by _MAX_
I got it running on mine and are using wellenreiter 1.0. Its pretty cool to listen mp3 and hearing when new nets are found and use nmap, nessus and ethereal too :-) but get yourself a pcmcia harddisk first.

PostPosted: Sat Apr 27, 2002 10:40 am
by unclex
tryed it for a while - went back until I see a dual boot - there is one about somewhere

PostPosted: Thu May 16, 2002 11:40 am
by blam
I was considering installing familiar on my ipaq, but was a bit worried about the battery life dropping dramatically.

I havn't been able to actually find figures on battery life. Any one able to tell me how long they lasted in their experience!

PostPosted: Thu May 16, 2002 12:10 pm
by unclex
I have a pack on the back lasted about a day and a bit - on all the time

up to a week for just now and then normal use

PostPosted: Thu May 16, 2002 12:21 pm
by blam
hmm that sounds pretty good. Currently with pocketPC I cant leave it more that 7days powered down with out the batteries dying. Thats in cluding a pcmcia expenansion sleeve.

Seeing as I dont use the ipaq for anything more than netstumbler
I think I'll give it a go.

Now if I could just find a cheap serial cradle currently can only find them for euro79