Daimler-Chrysler has used real-time embedded Linux in a portable automotive diagnostic tool currently shipping to dealers and repair shops. The StarScan tool enables shops to work on 2004-model year and later Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles incorporating CAN (controller area network) buses. (more…)

Foreword — This interview with embedded pioneer and MontaVista CEO Jim Ready explains why Ready is preparing his small, privately held company for the “battle of the century.” It reveals Ready as a big thinker willing to extemporaneously discuss today's computing trends within their historical context. (more…)

This interview with Red Hat Vice President James Prasad, who heads up the company's embedded operations, discusses Red Hat's background in embedded systems, embedded Linux market strategy and product plans, and recent partnership with Wind River Systems. (more…)

Overview: Freedom from BIOS Limitations

In detective stories, you follow the money. In code, you follow the interface. Unfortunately, in modern code, developers are still tripping over the traditional, old-school BIOS on their way to initializing their boards. (more…)

Foreword: This interview with Denx founder and CEO Wolfgang Denk discusses the popular and free Denx embedded Linux distributions, Denx's business model, software patents, and other matters related to embedded Linux markets and technology. (more…)

Foreword — This interview with Murry Shohat, executive director of the Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC), discusses the work the ELC is doing to promote and standardize embedded Linux. (more…)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil start-up Ponto-i has developed a jukebox for public venues that runs on sophisticated embedded Linux technology, but has a retro look reminiscent of jukeboxes from the 50s. The “Digipop” jukebox runs a custom Linux distribution based on Debian, along with LinuxBIOS, and uses a mix of custom and commodity PC hardware. (more…)

[Updated May 25, 2004] — The Ipeya Small Office IP System (SIPS) is a Linux-based “office in the box” that integrates a VoIP (voice over IP) telephone/voicemail system with a small office/home office (SOHO) router, firewall, file and print server, and more. It includes IP-telephones and legacy telephone adapters, and supports several types of networking. (more…)

The new Linux 2.6 kernel offers many improvements over the 2.4 version. One area of technical advancement is in the kernel networking options. Although there are enhancements in most of the files associated with the networking options, this article focuses on major feature improvements and additions that affect entire sections rather than on specific files. (more…)

The RaveHD is a hybrid video digital disk recorder (DDR)/player and video editor based on Linux and built around open source and Unix design principles. Two years in development, it targets the post production and visual effects industries, and has been used in the production of major movies. (more…)

Foreword: This article by Movial Technical Manager Veli Mankinen introduces a GPL-licensed environment that provides a set of tools to integrate, cross-compile, and test Linux software. Scratchbox provides a sandbox build environment that assures that the intended versions of libraries, headers, and other such files are used during the build. (more…)

Foreword: This article describes a project to develop a free, open, alternative Linux distribution for the Terapin Mine, a small portable device that can function as a USB hard drive, MP3 player, or photo slide show viewer. (more…)

VoIP hardware and software specialist Zultys Technologies has launched a new embedded Linux based phone for remote or home-office workers. The new Zip 4×5 incorporates a VPN router, firewall, and 4-port switch, as well as a normal analog phone for emergency calls. The 4×5 also supports Bluetooth, voice activated dialing, and other leading-edge features. (more…)

O'Reilly's “Pocket Guide” series of books are among the most-used books on my book shelf. These slim volumes are a refreshing departure from the “bigger is better” norm among computer book publishers, most of whom use large fonts, out-of-date excerpts from the Linux Documentation Project How-Tos,… (more…)

Foreword: This article by IBM Software Engineer Paul Larson looks at how the process of developing and testing the Linux kernel has changed since the 2.4 release. Larson looks at tools, tests, and techniques — from revision control and regression testing to bugtracking and list keeping — and concludes that the development technique improvements are among the 2.6 kernel's best new features. (more…)