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TS-Linux FAQ

How do I start Linux from DOS using loadlin.exe?

  • Loadlin is a program that can load a Linux kernel from the DOS command line. You must specify the kernel, root file system and console. You can specify other kernel parameters if needed. In this example the kernel is named bzImage, the root file system is a DiskOnChip, and the console is on COM2 (ttyS1)
     
    A:\loadlin bzImage root=/dev/fla1 console=ttyS1

How can I update the kernel when booting LILO on DiskOnChip?

  1. Download the new kernel as /boot/bzImageNew using FTP (server or client).
  2. Add an entry in /etc/lilo.conf and run lilo . (runs a patched lilo for DOC)
  3. Run reboot and select which kernel to load at the LILO boot prompt
  • LILO is set to load the default kernel if no keyboard entry is detected with 0.5 seconds, you may want to slow this down. If the test kernel crashes the original kernel is still available. Here is an example of what a new entry would look like.
     
    image=/boot/bzImageNew
    label=test
    root=/dev/fla1
    append="console=ttyS1"
  • More information about how LILO works is available in the mini-HOWTO.

How do I use the vi editor?

How do I use the A/D and DIO drivers?

  • Example code and kernel drivers for AtoD and digital I/O are currently under development. You can email info@embeddedARM.com for the latest version until they are completed and posted.

How can I boot to DOS if my kernel or file system crashes?

    You may want to boot to DOS to start Linux from a DOS prompt using Loadlin. The kernel and loadlin are installed onto the onboard Flash when the Linux option is pre-installed at the factory. This is also useful for using an NFS root file system

    All TS Single Board Computers come with DOS installed on onboard Flash. Usually this is bypassed and Linux runs from Compact Flash or DiskOnChip. In some cases you can also boot to DOS from the CF or DOC. If Syslinux is the bootloader you can type "DOS" at the boot prompt to run ROM-DOS.

    To boot to DOS, change the CMOS settings, see ways to boot an OS on the SBC  for instructions.

  • For TS-2800 or TS-3200 products you can boot to "DOS-ROM" as a BIOS extension.
  • For TS-3300 or TS-5300 products you can boot to onboard Flash as "Drive A":

How do I create a RAM disk?

    • mke2fs -vm0 /dev/ram0 1024
    • cd /mnt
    • mkdir ramdisk
    • mount /dev/ram0 /mnt/ramdisk

How do I boot Linux with a Network File System as the root file system?

How do I use a knoppix CD on Windows boxes to get 'dd' to work

  1. Download the bootable CD image from http://www.knoppix.com and create the CD.
  2. Boot to the knoppix CD and umount any /dev/sda devices so dd can work.
  3. Use dd to save/restore a binary image dd if=/dev/sda of=filename
  4. more... coming soon.