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Kernel requirements

Kernel patches

The SL-5500 as shipped uses a patched 2.4.6 Linux kernel:

Linux localhost 2.4.6-rmk1-np2-embedix #1 2002年 4月24日(水) 11時23分44秒 JST armv4l unknown

All of these patches seem to be available under the GPL, though at least one of the accompanying modules (the SD driver) is not. We will need Debian packages for all of the patches used by Sharp, and probably others as well. I would like to be able to use the latest stable kernels to benefit from new features and bugfixes.

It is currently possible to build a working kernel-image package for building Zaurus kernels. However, it would require reintroducing an older version of the kernel source (2.4.6) into the archive, and other unpleasantries. My current plan is to wait for (and if possible, assist) the efforts of the OpenZaurus project in this area, as they are working toward a similar goal.

ARM-specific kernel patches

Sharp

Collie (Zaurus architecture, execute in-place from ROM), IRIS (internal flash stuff?), USB networking, IrDA, more

Lineo

OpenZaurus seems to use a patch from Lineo which provides some smaller fonts for the console. Since the screen is small, this could be very useful for command-line operation.

OpenZaurus

The OpenZaurus project seems to be making progress in incorporating Sharp's patches into newer kernels, and moving toward their inclusion in the official Linux kernel tree.

Matt Zimmerman

Last modified: Sun Jul 28 19:05:44 EDT 2002