free/commercial distribution for linux appliance

Feb 25, 2004 5 Replies

Hello, I am trying to create a Linux appliance out of a system having a PIII processor, 128 MB Flash drive and 128 MB RAM. The appliance will not have a hardrive though. Apart from the base modules, the system needs networking module in order to communicate through the serial ports. I also plan to install PERL and/or Java and execute scripts on the appliance. Which mini free/commercial distribution will be most suitable for the above system? Also, where can I obtain documentation to build such a system? Thank you for your time.


flash drive = compact flash? If that is the case then you do have a hardrive for all practical purposes.

PERL? Hmm.. that is rather heavy? What is wrong with shell scripts?

I have used

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there are some precompiled root filesystems with most tools you will ever need... but in addition to this you will need to compile and install a Linux kernel.

When checking

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I did also find this - I guess it would suite you...
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On the respective sites, or if you prefere dead trees...

Karim Yaghmour's Building Embedded Linux Systems

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/RogerL

Roger Larsson Skellefteå Sweden

Hello,

I've heard of these gadgets with flash-memory and Linux

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Check also pointers to "small and micro Linux resources" in

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Or maybe

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All the best,

// os moma

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:)

Try looking here for a list of embedded distros. They list some of the various linux OS setup from around the world.

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Al

I'd suggest

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It's free, tiny, and very good at cross-compiling.

Not sure whether it has a Perl package, but I suspect you can just use Perl compiled for the PC, it'd just work.

- Dan

I'm working on a stripped down Debian stable system(+ a mix of busybox) and some notes and perl scripts to try and manage it. Basically you should be able to add in any needed components from Debian stable.

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I've seen some embedded linux books at the store recently, they would be good resources.

Karl.

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