Message #269335

[tangrs]

Updated at 7th Feb 2013

Since this is getting a little more popular (thanks to Hackaday), I decided to write up a little FAQ.

Is this really Linux?

Yes.

Which models does this support?

All current models - Clickpads, Touchpads and CX models.

What distro does this run?

Uh, Buildroot? Does that even count? Technically though, it can run any distro that supports ARM EABI. Debian ARM port should work but needs some effort.

Wait, so I can like, run Linux programs on this?

It depends. The answer is: most likely but might require a fair bit of effort.

Basically, the calculator doesn't run on your typical AMD/Intel x86 architecture. It runs on an ARM CPU core (similar to most android phones and iPhones/iPads/iPod Touches nowadays).

The software you can get on Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, [insert favourite distro] are mostly binary packages. They've been precompiled by others and you just need to pretty much package-manager install package.

Now installing it like that on Nspire Linux most likely isn't exactly possible because:

A. Those packages are compiled for x86, not ARM.
B. The initrd/images that I've provided are built from Buildroot and almost won't have a package manager with everything pre-provided.

If you're the average user, you can stop reading now. The answer is no, it won't run whatever Linux program you want unless someone cross-compiled the program for you.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can dive into the ugly world of cross-compiling. Now, the answer becomes "yes but only if you endure hours of pain".

The beauty about OSS is that you aren't restricted to using the binaries that you're given by others. To make your own programs run on Nspire Linux, we're going to need  the source code of the program you want and to cross compile for ARM.

Obviously, you'll need a cross-compiling toolchain. When you make a Buildroot, you get a cross-compile toolchain for free. You can use that to cross compile whatever package you want.

I won't go into the details. You can use Google for that.

Finally, if you hate dealing with compiling, there is one other solution. You can load up and run your favourite distro* onto the calc and use a package manager as usual. The Nspire won't have enough memory to hold it all but it does support booting from USB with the right options.

Again, Google is your friend.

* = provided they have an ARM port. I've had success with Debian ARM port.

Can this run Android?

Theoretically, yes but it's too much work for it to be worth it.

Does this run on top of the stock operating system?

No. Once loaded, it replaces the stock OS completely in memory.

How does this get loaded?

In-place loading. Basically, loading the kernel into memory using the stock OS functions, then let Linux take over (which replaces the Nspire OS).

Does this have X running?

Yes. The full configs at http://tiplanet.org/nspire-linux-builds/ will have an Xserver that you can run.

Can this run like KDE, Gnome, Xfce, Fluxbox, [insert favourite window manager]?

Yes but it'll probably suck (not that I've tried anything apart from TWM). Try not to forget that this is a 120MHz device with 64MB of RAM.

Why doesn't this run on the emulator?

I'm not sure. I think some co-processor instructions that Linux requires but not the stock OS weren't implemented in the emulator.

OMG, how to internetz?

The video/s of my calculator going on the internet are just a little personal distraction. The program is links and I'm just using a USB wireless dongle to connect to a wireless network.

Please don't ask me how I did it because it will vary depending on your hardware. Very generally speaking though, you'll need the kernel modules for your USB dongle and possibly  some firmware files. During run time, just load the kernel drivers, use a little wpa_supplicant and udhcpd magic and bam, you've got net.

But seriously, don't email me about this (unless it is a very specific/technical question) because I probably don't have time to help you step by step.

Won't this, like, make it easier for people to cheat?

Well, I don't believe so. Considering the amount of hardware you have to connect to the Nspire (I'm talking a USB hub, a USB drive and a power adapter) to make the internet work, I doubt a exam supervisor/teacher wouldn't notice it.

Besides, I'm pretty sure the stock OS doesn't have lots of white on black text and a picture of a penguin on it

I need help.

The quick links at the top of the front page can help you.

You should run the stock OS on an emulator inside Linux. That'd be cool.

It would indeed be amusing.

Can this run emulators?

See "Wait, so I can like, run Linux programs on this?"

Does this support C++?

Of course. Linux isn't Ndless and don't share the same restrctions.

Though, that being said, a C++ toolchain is possible on Ndless - there are some notes on my blog.

So, what does this thing do exactly?

Nothing really. It's just cool!

Why are my USB devices causing Linux to go crazy on the console?

Your USB device is probably trying to draw too much power. You might need an external, powered hub.

The Nspire USB hardware only gives out something like 8mA compared to the 500mA in the USB specs.

"Will this run Crisis?"

Yes. Yes it will.