Although I had heard that Linux kernel 2.4.0 now contains Memory Technology Device (MTD) support directly within the kernel, I wasn't clear about how extensive the built-in support is. I therefore contacted MTD project leader David Woodhouse and asked him to clarify the “bigger picture” of 2.4.0's built-in support for devices such as the M-Systems DiskOnChip. (more…)

The “Aries Integrated Server” from Celestix is designed for easy-to-use resource-sharing and Internet access for small workgroups of up to 50 users. The device, which contains an embedded Linux operating system, is meant to serve as a fast way to connect a small network to the Internet. (more…)

In his guest editorial about the RTLinux patent, Jerry Epplin makes the point that mixing a patent with GPL turns GPL into something that seems contrary to the intent of the creators of the GPL license. (more…)

The “canD” is a very small, stylish, easy-to-install Linux-based TV set-top box designed to provide convenient Internet access to beginners and non-computer users. The new consumer Internet appliance is part of a wave of Asian-manufactured Linux-based consumer products that will begin hitting retail shelves this year. (more…)

Foreword: In this guest editorial, Jerry Epplin takes a look at the recently unveiled RTLinux patent, including a summary of what the patent says, the implications of the patent to the GPL status of RTLinux, and some of the issues and concerns that may arise when developing applications that incorporate RTLinux. (more…)

This is the slide presentation given by LinuxDevices.com founder Rick Lehrbaum at the recent Real-Time and Embedded Systems Forum held on February 6, 2001 in San Jose, CA. Topics discussed include . (more…)

LinuxDevices.com founder Rick Lehrbaum takes his customary “walk on the embedded side” of the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo held last week in New York City. In this article, Lehrbaum describes what he observed and gives his impressions of current trends in Embedded Linux — the next big frontier for Linux . . . (more…)

Henry Kingman, senior producer of ZDNet's Linux Resource Center, attended a session at LinuxWorld Expo in New York and filed this report . . . (more…)

Filanet Corporation (Sunnyvale, CA) aims to provide small and medium sized businesses with plug-and-play “big company networking” capabilities through an “Internet service appliance” known as the InterJak. Accordingly, the company's InterJak 200 is meant to be an easy-to-use, compact, appliance-like device which implements the functions of an Internet gateway, VPN/firewall, email server, file sharing, and… (more…)

Morphing from “black sheep” to “GPL good citizen”

Most Linux users are aware of Qt, the GUI framework on which the KDE desktop environment is based. In the Linux desktop application development world, Qt competes with Gtk+, which forms the basis for the Gnome desktop environment. (more…)

Foreword: This article is the fourth in a LinuxDevices.com series on Exploring Linux PDA Software Alternatives by Jerry Epplin that explores the history, status, alternative architectures, and future developments of Linux on PDAs and handheld devices. (more…)

One year ago, Palo Alto, CA based “ZF Microsystems” changed its name to “ZF Linux Devices” and began promoting an interesting new system-on-chip processor called the “MachZ” as a Linux-oriented silicon device. Why did ZF decide to focus itself on Linux — to the point of a change in corporate name? (more…)

Throughout 2000, LinuxDevices.com conducted a survey of developers to try to understand their motivations for using Linux in embedded systems and intelligent devices. Some of the most interesting results are in the areas of reasons for wanting to use open source software, and the perceived strengths and advantages of Linux. (more…)

You've probably realized by now that there are many ways to add real-time capabilities to Linux based systems. Certainly, one method is to throw hardware at the problem, by running faster processors or employing specialized hardware. For example, specialized peripheral controllers and digital signal processors (DSPs) can offload critical real-time tasks from the main system CPU. (more…)

Foreword: This article is the third in a LinuxDevices.com series on Exploring Linux PDA Software Alternatives by Jerry Epplin that explores the history, status, alternative architectures, and future developments of Linux on PDAs and handheld devices. In this installment, Epplin examines the use of Century Software's Microwindows and associated Linux software on a Compaq… (more…)