Foreword: Last week, Softier made news with one of the first native ports of Linux to a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) architecture, introducing its “MediaLinux” and “MediaBIOS” for TI's DM64x DSP platform. (more…)

Zebra is open source TCP/IP routing software that is similar to Cisco's Internetworking Operating System (IOS). Flexible and powerful, it can handle routing protocols such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), and all of their various flavors. (more…)

When debugging kernel problems, being able to trace the kernel execution and examine its memory and data structures is very useful. The built-in kernel debugger in Linux, KDB, provides this facility. In this article you'll learn how to use the features provided by KDB and how to install and set up KDB on a Linux machine. (more…)

This article gives you an overview of how you can use the built-in debugging features in the Eclipse Platform for debugging your software projects. It covers debug view, Java debugging, setting break points, conditional break points, evaluating expressions, viewing variables, hot-swap bug fixing, remote debugging, debugging other languages, and more. (more…)

“Have you ever dreamed of building your own Linux-based droid [that could] roam around your home autonomously, intelligently obeying your commands?” asks Dafydd Walters. “You may now be able to finally fulfill your dream.” Walters founded and leads the Open Automaton Project (OAP), which aims to help enthusiasts assemble an intelligent mobile robot with stereo vision and state-of-the-art PC mainboard… (more…)

The Automation Network X-change (AN-X) family of embedded Linux based devices from Quest Technical Solutions connects PCs to automation networks for remote monitoring and control. Its PC interface supports several protocols that run over a standard Ethernet transport, while various versions of the device are available to support a variety of industrial networks. (more…)

Debian ranks as the fourth most-used distribution for embedded development, according to LinuxDevices.com's annual Embedded Linux Market Survey, with a rising rate of adoption. Developers wishing to distribute software binaries and source for use with Debian systems will want to learn the basics of… (more…)

This article shows you how to improve the boot speed of your Linux system without compromising usability. Essentially, the technique involves understanding system services and their dependencies, and having them start up in parallel, rather than sequentially, when possible. (more…)

In Nordic countries, Volvo telematics division Volvo Mobility Systems (VMS) is computerizing public transit by adding rugged, radio-connected Linux systems that keep buses and trains running on time and forecast arrival times for waiting passengers. VMS's latest unit, ITS4mobility, is an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) integrated with a Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system that enables tracking… (more…)

Netcordia's Periscope “network analysis appliance” is a standalone expert system built on Linux and other open source software. The Periscope is plugged into a network and let to run for a day or so, at which point it should begin to display meaningful, concise, prioritized data on its “issues” interface: versions of Cisco IOS with memory leaks, duplex-mode errors between PCs… (more…)

G.Mate's $450 Yopy YP 3700 PDA is a flip-open PDA with retro-futuristic styling that features an X windows GUI and fairly ample system resources, making it possible to use a wide variety of open source programs on the device. The device runs an embedded Linux distribution called “Linupy,” which comes stock with a Personal Information Manager (PIM) suite and applications for file management, web browsing,… (more…)

BraddaHead Ltd. is a UK start-up that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced digital Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) based security and surveillance control systems. Braddahead's first product, Second Sight, is a CCTV system built around Linux that launched Sep. (more…)

Cross compilation occurs when a compiler running on one system produces executables for another system — this is an important concept when the target system doesn't have a native set of compilation tools, or when the host system is faster or has greater resources. In this how-to article, Peter Seebach discusses the initial setup of a cross compilation environment (using the Sharp Zaurus handheld as focus)… (more…)

Sputnik is a wireless network management system based on Linux and embedded Linux software combined with commodity PC and wireless access point (AP) hardware. It targets wireless Internet service providers (WISPS), community wireless service providers, educational campuses, and system integrators who want to centrally manage their customers' networks. (more…)

Organizations can benefit significantly from participating with Open Source communities and using the Open Source development model. But organizational policies designed to maximize resource utilization and ensure security can prevent an organization from effectively engaging with Open Source communities and fully realizing the benefits of the Open Source development model. (more…)