In last month's article, I had explored the problems associated with writing timing sensitive code under Linux and looked at how RTAI solves them in an elegant manner. (more…)

This article by veteran real-time trainer David Kalinsky provides an introduction to real-time operating system (RTOS) kernel services. The paper is of particular interest to developers new to real-time concepts and vocabulary. (more…)

Kontron unveiled a proposal for a next generation, small form-factor, embedded computer-on-module (COM) standard at a press conference in Munich, today. The new COM spec — called ETXexpress — evolved from the earlier ETX standard, which was developed by Kontron. (more…)

K Computing will present a course on “Linux Device Driver Development” in San Jose, Calif. from Jan. 19-23, 2004. The course will cover how device drivers work with the Linux kernel, how to compile and load drivers, driver debugging, PCI/ISA hardware access, and more, with both 2.4- and 2.6-series kernels. (more…)

Opersys has launched an integrated set of services intended to enable developers to build embedded Linux systems straight from source without having to purchase any third-party packages or tools. These services include training, support, professional services, and mentoring. (more…)

IBM's developerWorks Website has published a nine-part article series by IBM e-business architect Chris Walden for developers migrating from Windows to Linux. “A roadmap for developers making the transition to Linux” presents a jumplist of relatively gentle technical articles explaining how Windows skills translate to the Linux universe. (more…)

Froglogic is now shipping Squish 1.0, a professional cross platform automated GUI testing framework for applications written using Trolltech's Qt GUI toolkit. According to Froglogic, Squish enables automated testing of existing Qt applications without any modifications to the application under test (AUT). (more…)

This detailed technical article by Pramode C.E. describes a simple application developed by Pramode's students using the Real-Time Application Interface (RTAI), a platform for developing real-time applications with Linux. (more…)

The fundamentals

To most people, embedded systems are not recognizable as computers. Instead, they are hidden inside everyday objects that surround us and help us in our lives. Embedded systems typically do not interface with the outside world through familiar personal computer interface devices such as a mouse, keyboard and graphic user interface. (more…)

Albert McCabe has joined TimeSys as VP of worldwide sales. McCabe is tasked with growing the distribution channel for TimeSys's embedded Linux development tools. Most recently, McCabe served as executive VP of sales and marketing with Accelent Systems, a provider of embedded platforms and services focused primarily on Windows CE. (more…)

/k/ Embedded Java Solutions (pronounced “kah”) has released “Mika,” a new Java virtual machine (VM) and runtime environment that enables Java programs to run on embedded systems including ones with no graphical display (“headless” systems) and MMU-less architectures such as ARM7TDMI. (more…)

Virtio Corp. is now shipping a software tool that emulates Motorola's i.MX1/i.MXL application development board. The “virtual platform” can be used for developing applications, middleware, operating systems, and device drivers based on the Motorola i.MX1 and i.MXL “Dragonball” processors, targeting smartphones and wireless handhelds, according to Virtio, and targets Linux as well as several other embedded… (more…)

Real-time Linux specialist FSMLabs has signed a partnership agreement with Red Flag Software, the premier Linux development and support company in China. FSMLabs says Red Flag will sell and support RTLinuxPro and other of its hard real-time software products, and the two companies will collaborate on embedded Linux support and development. (more…)

A security-oriented Linux distribution useful for generating firewall appliances and devices has won “Best Firewall” in a Readers' Choice award sponsored by the German publication Linux Enterprise. Astaro is a commercial distribution based on open source software that installs from a CD to turn a PC into a self-updating “software appliance” that provides a firewall, VPN, content filtering,… (more…)

A new Spanish software development company has announced support for FSMLabs's real-time Linux operating system and other software components in Spain and Portugal. Valencia-based OS3 is already working on several real-time Linux projects and has extensive RTLinux experience, as its staff are core developers of the RTLinux GPL… (more…)