EE, the "Support distribution", is a small Linux distribution to be installed into ARM devices. Scratchbox
"CPU-transparency" feature needs it during software cross-configuration. Cross-compiled binaries needed in the build
process are run on the ARM device with the assistance of CPU trasparency.
The functionality of Support distribution is very limited to minimize the size of the distribution.
Support distribution is mostly deprecated and use of Familiar is
strongly recommended.
Supported hardware and functionality
iPAQ h3600 series
USB cradle for networking
Not supported features
PCMCIA or CompactFlash cards (networking required by CPU transparency (NFS etc) is done over USB)
GUI. All adminitration is done using console utilities.
Proper power management features (something might be added later)
Familiar ARM distribution is recommended alternative for people who
need more extensive ARM hardware support than what Support distribution provides (e.g. you don't have an USB
cradle).
2. Installation
Pre-requirements:
HP H3600 series iPaq
a serial cable/cradle for your iPaq
Terminal emulation software (e.g. minicom) for serial installation
Support distribution rootimage
It is also possible to use a CompactFlash card for installing the rootimage.
It is also possible to install the rootimage from a CompactFlash card.
2.2. User accounts
The Support distribution only has the root account pre-generated with 'rootme' as the root password. To be able to
use the iPAQ for CPU-transparency normal user account(s) has to be created on the iPAQ.
After the configuration for the 'usb0' interface has been done on the desktop system the USB network should start
automatically as the iPAQ is inserted to the USB cradle.
After the USB network is running you can telnet to the iPAQ and login as root and add the user accounts needed. User
accounts can be added with the
adduser [username]
2.3. Known problems
Power button does not work
This is a deliberate misbehaviour because:
Suspending the iPAQ while the USB network is still active can result in the iPAQ needing to be rebooted.
Suspending the iPAQ while attached to the cradle without first removing the 'usb-eth' and 'sa1100usb_core' modules
can result in the desktop freezing.
Due to these reasons suspending the iPaq is not officially supported by Support distribution at the moment, but if
you choose to accept the risks listed above and want the power button to suspend the iPaq either:
Execute 'modprobe apm' after the iPaq has been booted; or
Add apm to /etc/modules, which is a list of modules that are loaded at boot time
