In this interesting how-to article at LinuxDevices.com, Anders Brownworth explains how to configure a commercially available set-top computer system to boot from Linux and function as an appliance-like MP3 player. Brownworth writes . . .

“Several years ago, I started a database-driven car MP3 player project called route66. It was featured in MaximumPC magazine and earlier this year as the cover story in Maximum Linux Magazine, as it uses Linux and other open-source packages. The basic design philosophy was to leverage the power of a database to make a system that learns my musical tastes and plays songs I am likely to want to hear so I can keep my eyes on the road while driving.”

“The project ramped up quickly, and I began to abstract the concept for use in home systems as well as cars. Soon it seemed that embedded systems were really the right way to go, and I settled on the GCT-Allwell 1030N set-top box as an ideal platform for a home version of route66, because it could be made with no moving parts (hence, no noise).”

“What follows is my initial experiences getting Linux up and running on the GTC-Allwell set-top box . . .”

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