Linux
From MobileRead
Linux is one of several Unix like implementations.
Contents |
Overview
Linux features a customizable kernel and generally uses GNU commands and shells. For eBook readers and PDA's it can be cut down to a very small footprint to allow it to run on smaller low power devices.
As with all operating systems Linux provides a framework for applications to use. It is the application that actually provides the eBook reader functionality. There are several applications available for Linux systems depending on the desired eBook format. The application must be compiled for the particular Linux implementation hardware that you are interested in so not all Linux applications are available for all hardware configurations.
There are several specialized versions of Linux some of the variations are described below if they are applicable to mobile devices.
User Front End
Linux, like Unix, is a base OS that has a basic kernel which is consists of a set of system calls to a User Interface and manages the work being done of the computer. However the user only really sees the User Interface which can vary the look and feel depending on the implementation. It can be a command line but is more likely to be a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Some GUI user interface packages include:
- Gnome a Desktop package from Gnome
- Qtopia an API for custom versions of embedded Linux from Trolltech
- X window system from MIT (also used in regular Unix/Linux):
- Stripped down X.org implementation (e.g. in Nokia 770)
- nanoX small X implementation (e.g. in HanLin eBook).
- GPE: for PDA and Palmtop use.
Many eBook Readers use an embedded version of Linux but have their own user interface (typically a menu interface) as they basically boot direct into the application.
Linux variants
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more. A special Mobile version exists for MID devices. See http://www.ubuntu.com/
On June 24, 2008 Ubuntu Linux released the first developer's version of its new Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device (MID) Edition 8.04 operating system, which is aimed at device manufacturers that build Internet-ready handheld devices based on Intel Corp.'s Atom processors.
Based on Ubuntu's Desktop Edition operating system, the MID Edition 8.04 was developed by the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded community, in cooperation with the Intel http://Moblin.org community, according to Ubuntu.
Red Hat
Red Hat is a commercially supported variant for enterprise users.
Fedora
Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that showcases the latest in free and open source software. Fedora is always free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. It is built by people across the globe who work together as a community. It is backed by Red Hat.
Linpus LINUX Lite
Linpus Linux Lite is the latest OS development for low-cost PCs like UMPC, OLPC, Classmate PC, MID and other consumer mobile devices. This new version of Linpus Linux distribution is designed to run smoothly and reliably on a lower-end hardware with processing power as low as 500 MHz, 128MB of DRAM and 512MB of storage space. With Linpus Linux Lite, you can surf the web, edit documents and photos, read e-book and email, play the music and games, enjoy the GPS navigation and VoIP service, etc
Embedded systems
Most eBook readers use an embedded Linux system. The largest companies in this business are Wind River and MontaVista. MontaVista is the one used on the Sony Reader.
For more information
- See eBook software for programs that will work on this platform.
- http://www.embedded.com for embedded information.
- http://www.handhelds.org/ for Handheld PDA and Palmtop versions.
