Mike told me last night he is investigating Debian-based low resource
distros that will install in our limited boxes. He found one that has a
complete apt-get setup so users can upgrade to full blown Debian if they
wish. This would put us in line to use the FGP distro later.
Mike is also looking into Linux games which will run on VL 3.2, not an easy
task since VL is missing libraries that games need. He is experimenting
with compiling games and linking them statically.
Tom
Second, we may have to compile a different kernel for VL modem installs. Carl may have to drop back to the 2.4.18 kernel to get the Intel HaM driver to work. He also believes it is worth investigating the 2.6 kernel. The 2.6 kernel should run faster on a low resource box than 2.4.
Errr.... I downloaded and installed 2.6.3 on my smp machine... The initrd file was SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER in 2.6.3 verse 2.4.24! (read, it's huge) The chances also are the 2.6 will require more memory then these limited machines have @ 32mb. Also, how much benefit would a FGM box gain in having a 2.6 kernel? To keep the project in focus, our clients are not going to be power users like we are.
Third, Carl brought up devising our own distro. I almost choked on that one. If we use a 2.6 kernel, we are also looking at recompiling apps. At that point we might as well roll our own distro, which brings up long term support and maintenance issues. Carl favors Fedora as a base. I almost choked again.
This is not a good idea . We can not cover all our basis now without the added commitments or rolling our own Distro. Yes I played with rolling my own distro based on HR 7.3 and 1. It's *NOT* an easy task and 2. It gets cumbersum quickly. If we even think about it, I'd strongly recommend a lighter weight Debian Distro. At least then our clients can install their own software upgrades easily.
I also recall reading something today about FGP maybe working with someone to roll a distro. If we truly are working towards that, we might want to join forces to spread the workload.
Fourth, we may want to test purchase other inexpensive modems which are better supported for the Linux 2.4.20 kernel. Jay suggested purchasing used hardware modems (internal) for $15 at surplus. Unfortunately most of them are 28.8 kbps.
I agree with Jay on this one. Hardware based modems are the way to go if we can get them fast enough. If not, we need to keep working on the present Intel Ham Driver.
Goose