Why Do We Need Linux


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vic20-ian

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Thinking fondly back to flashing my GP32 with better firmware that gave instant power on to a file selector or even the last program used (thanks to Mr Spiv I think?) - why do we need Linux to bloat the 2X and slow it down 20 seconds?

Could we have an OS/Firmware like this on the GP2X and then launch a media player or games or applications?

What is the point of the Linux OS that I am obviously missing?

I just don't get it.

p.s. I am not a Linux basher - I have Suse on my PC as well and 98 and XP multiboot
 
I wouldn't say easier to code for, but I would say easier to port to and debug your apps with.
 
The point is to have a tried and tested, bug free....errr, open source......ummm....ahhhhh.....right... Yeah, what is the point of the Linux OS ?
 
I thought some of the code being used e.g. Rlyeh's libraries were accessing hardware direct and not going through Linux.

If I compile the demo (bitmap viewer) from the Wiki on devkitgp2x what bits of Linux am I using? or am I accessing SDL library code which resides under / needs linux.

Excuse the ignorance of how it works down in the underbelly of the 2X.
 
Companies like Linux because it's already there and it's free. Also, it's mature, works, and is well documented. They could have put windows on it but that would have added cost anywhere from 50 to 150 dollars, and would have crippled GPH to sell above the Sony PSP price. The problem with making their own OS is it wouldn't be nearly as well documented, tested, wouldn't have as many apps, be as stable, and would have set the release date of the GP2X back years.

Basically it comes down to cost and speed. Linux is free and available, you can make a Linux device fast and for no cost on the software side. If you have the money then you buy windows licences or hire enough people to code your own OS. In the end it's better for the consumer if the company uses Linux as it can be better community supported years down the road. I personally would prefer Linux because of this fact, when you buy it you aren't stuck if the company no longer supports it.

Thanx,
Stan
 
Picture the bitmap viewer that you are running on top of Linux is just like Microsoft Word on top of Windows. Your GP2x runs the OS and the applications run based off of code communicated through the OS to the applications/drivers/devices etc.

Linux provides an Open Source platform with a HUGH open source library of games, applications, drivers, kernels, libraries, etc. that we can utilize to make the most out of the GP2x.
 
It's geeky!

Plus, it supports SDL and stuff compiled with GCC and stuff. Basically, it makes a developer's life a whole lot easier.

Wolfspirit said:
Linux provides an Open Source platform with a HUGH open source library of games
Click to expand...
Who is this Hugh and where can I find his open source library of games?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I understand the benefits of Linux in the short term, but the lack of it on the GP32 didn't stop development of it in the slightest.

I would personally prefer something like Slubmans Firmware on the GP2x than the sometimes-boots-sometimes-doesn't-20odd-second linux.
 
I may sound stupid and ignorant but does this mean the games from happy penguin that have the source available should be easier to port over to the 2x? cos some of them look cool
 
The main idea behind happy penguin is the games listed run on Linux. If the system requirements are met by the GP2X of course.

Thanx,
Stan
 
Depends on the game. Whether it has SDL, whether it is using a library or technology that is compatible or not compatible with what we currently have on the GP2x, etc. Some of those games are already being ported (ex. Abuse)
 
Further of course.. by being Linux, you immediately appeal to the many thousands of Unix and Linux fanatics.. free publishing on the news sites etc. How many gp2x stories on Slashdot so far? :)

jeff
 
Two stories so far that I know of. The first brought a lot of people in, many of whom placed pre-orders. Then they heard the evil acronym "DRM" and a lot of cancelled their pre-orders without bothering to find out what was actually using DRM on the device.
 
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