AOL Making a Linux Box? 82
bearded.duane writes "America Online is
considering the Linux operating system as one option for running an
inexpensive Internet access device, according to sources familiar with the project.
"
Top Ten Things Overheard At The ANSI C Draft Committee Meetings: (7) Well, it's an excellent idea, but it would make the compilers too hard to write.
is linux big? (Score:1)
However, Sean Kaldor, also of IDC, was more
cautious about using Linux in smaller devices.
"The advantage is zero cost per unit. The
disadvantage is that it's big and will require
some engineering" to fit into small devices.
It's not hard to make a distribution that is
small, right? Didn't I hear somewhere that Linux was
ported to PalmPilot? Maybe when they think that
Linux is big, they're thinking of RedHat? Am I way
off base?
Re:You could be a techno-journalist! (Score:1)
language. They serve totally different purposes.
The purpose of LInux is to provide an inexpensive environment
for the Java machine to run in. The purpose of Java is so
clients can rent software in the form of Java objects and
classes and components (beans) from servers owned by fortune
500 companies for everything from refrigerators to personal
computers, thus assuring absolute control over the software
used by said clients. The software will only work, of course,
when said clients are connected to the software vendor's
commercial networks via corporate intranets or commercial
ISP's using the internet to establish such connections.
Even you could be a techno-journalist!
ANSI/IEEE says Linux is an OS (Score:1)
Software Engineering Standards, ISBN 1-55937-008-4
States in part (pp 25);
" Operating system. Software that controls the execution of
programs. An operating system may provide services such as
resource allocation, scheduling, input/output control, and
data management. Although operating systems are predominately
software, partial or complete hardware implementations are
possible. (ISO) An operating system provides support in a
single spot rather than forcing each program to be concerned
with controlling hardware. See also system software. "
pp 35
" System software. Software designed for a specific computer
system or family of computer systems to facilitate the
operation and maintenance of the computer system and associated
programs, for example, operating systems, compilers, utilities.
Contrast with application software ".
Clearly GNU makes system software.
It cannot be the "GNU/Linux operating system"
It is:
"GNU system software and Linux operating system"
Re:How it could be done (the cell phone model) (Score:1)
An ARM chip is the way to go: cheap, powerful. The new StrongARM chips coming out later this year run at 600MHz and dissipate even less power than the current ones, and power is an important issue when it comes to STBs. Would you want a fan whirring away whilst you were watching TV etc?
A cut down linux, maybe using a custom GUI interface as opposed to X11 (to save memory purely). 32Mb RAM or more.
The microdrives might prove expensive, use cheap 3.5 inch HDs, there must be plenty of the smaller sizes out there in warehouses, unsold because they were overtaken. 1-2Gb would be fine, allowing for a huge cache for Netscape (or whatever) and a mail download folder.
In Britain, Sky are now giving away their digital TV STBs, even though they must cost £300-400 to make. They are quite cool.
I reckon £150 on the market would be easy, for a 200MHz StrongARM based STB.
(Why not customize EPOC though? That runs on the ARM, a colour version is coming out, and it includes a lot of stuff)...
Graham (waiting for password to arrive... snore)
Re:Linux Operating System (sic) (Score:1)
"Linux" refers to a kernel. You can call the OS GNU/Linux if you wish, "GNU OS with a Linux kernel" if you wish, or just plain "GNU OS."
Re:Linux Operating System (sic) (Score:1)
As for RedHat, yes it's a distribution of an operating system. I'm not sure what it's official name is. Debian GNU/Linux is also a distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.
Re:Linux and low memory footprints (Score:1)
Re:But will AOL run under regular non-priv userid? (Score:1)
[sarcasm]
Ohh yes! I'm sure AOL is planning on porting Slackware. They'll use tcsh, X with no window manager, and Lynx. It will be grand!
[/sarcasm]
I'm sure all the really ugly parts of Linux that we have grow to love will be hidden from the user. They'll flip the switch and will be dropped into a browser. End of story. The only reason that they are looking at Linux is because it's...
Re:Big? (Score:1)
I believe the Linux distribution is Trinux [trinux.org] if I am not mistaken. It works quite well.
-= NJV =-
Re:Java & Beans (Score:1)
Apparently you haven't been exposed to Sun's propaganda. Otherwise you would know that the Java object would be running your refrigerator, so that your juice would be colder! Java Juice or just JJuice.
Bad Idea (Score:1)
AOL could shut off all services except perhaps SSH with which they could tunnel into your system to see what you are downloading.
No way would I give up that much power to AOL.
It has to be a very dumb idea.
-= NJV =-
Re:Compters != TV -- a very good point (Score:1)
You might be right, Ren. But I wonder if you're overestimating what people want to use computers for.
Sure, there are still people out there who are quite proficient in television production, but they are few and far between. While computer literacy will certainly grow, I doubt that the vast majority of people will want to program their own apps.
People who are literate, after all, don't go writing their own books, or even read a double-digit percentage of all the books out there. Pre-packaged, dumbed-down solutions, like AOL, are popular for a reason. Corporations aren't impeding our natural growth -- we do it all by ourselves.
Interesting commentary, though. I actually do hope you're right.
Re:How it could be done (the cell phone model) (Score:1)
My first Linux box had a 220Mb drive, and I had X, and full development with C and C++ and X development libraries. Mind you, this was SLS 1.03 with kernel 0.99pl14e
Memory usage? (Score:1)
Who knows, but it does. I've wondered that myself, but been too lazy to look into it. While Netscape has never been noted as being small, it doesn't take up the 25MB RAM or whatever it is on Linux.
As for the GUI itself, it's hard to say for sure. When I ran NT 4.0, I would check the memory usage immediately after boot without any programs running, and it would be at 15MB or 20MB usage. With the normal services running and my trusty XF86_Mach64 under Linux, maybe 10MB. So I don't know, either way Netscape is not RAM's friend.
Compters != TV (Score:1)
This assersion about the plumbing becoming transparent has the same flavor of the arguments that Mac people make. "Computers don't need to be hard, they should be as easy to use as a toaster." I love the arguments that computers are just like cars, you just want to use them, you don't care how they work. The fallacy there is that one forgets what a computer does: whatever you want it to do. However efficent or complex it gets, car still does one function: get you from point A to point B. The functionality of a computer is only limited by your imagination and ability to impliment your idea, whether it's coding it yourself, finding the tools and reassembling them in a neat fashion, or getting a buddy to write the code (That's how the spreadsheet was first written, thanks for the effort Bob Frankton). This sort of infinite potential creates a high level of irreducable complexity. This complexity necessitates some knowledge of the plumbing beyond that of one's TV set.
In the end, I think my argument will be proven true as more and more people become far more computer literate than the masses are at this time. I'm not talking about in the next five or ten years, even, I'm talking in a generation or three. Just think about it, two-thousand years ago, the idea of a 95%+ literacy rate was laughable. Who else needed to read besides scholars? As society progressed, and technology became available (the Gutenberg press, faster modes of communication, etc) reading became a necessity. It is my view that computer literacy will follow the same path. Just look at how fast the children today (>10yrs old) are learning computers and getting proficient. As the childrens' exposure to computers in schools and at home increases, we'll see a massive boom in compter literacy in the next twenty to fifty years.
How about we don't impede that natural growth by saying, "You don't need to know that."?
Good for Mozilla (Score:1)
Mozilla will be the idea browser to embed into their boxes once it is complete as it is going to support the most important standards and is less bloated than the current Netscape browser (and IE which doesn't run on Linux anyway). Browsers such as kwm although quite good do not offer the standards support that Mozilla will.
--
Re:Not likely, but possible (Score:1)
Let's not forget, though, that AOL (through Netscape) now has an equity stake in Red Hat.
Christopher A. Bohn
Re:Don't strain your arm patting yourself on the b (Score:1)
GPL would not apply (Score:1)
Interesting project (Score:1)
How can GPL be enforced? (Score:1)
Say someone took apache or samba, modified the language and format of configuration files a bit, compiled it, and put it on a shelf for $600. Who would know? Say they add or even remove some features--that would make it even harder to recognize.
I am certainly not suggesting such practices, but how can such violations of GPL be spotted?
They won't challenge GPL (Score:1)
But actually I think their talk about Linux is PR in itself. ("Look how cool we are; we're considering to use the coolest OS on earth.")
--B
Re:netscape best app server? (Score:1)
Sun's case (Score:1)
Anyway, AOL using Linux for any kind of CLIENT machine doesn't hurt Sun, it hurts M$. It's a lot easier to NFS mount, or NIS+ or whatever to a Linux box than a WinCE.
Food for thought? Understand the market we're going after.
Re:Linux and low memory footprints (Score:1)
Why waste money on another x86? (and HD concerns) (Score:1)
As for storage/memory concerns make sure you pick a high performance model. Lots of cache on the drive (512k+) and with a more efficient swap drive you'll be hard pressed to notice the difference between 32 and 64 megs.
Java Speed (Re:Javagator II: Return from the dead) (Score:1)
An Object Oriented system could never beat pure C (C could never beat native assembly). Why do I get the feeling that this criticism has been voiced before?
Java is special not because of its speed, but because of its incredibly dynamic functionallity. Why not use Java as an integral part of the logic? Quite a few great systems with lots of OO code and a little bit of assembly to drive graphics and such.
Don't call for Java's demise. With the content/service driven paradigm that AOL seems to be focusing on the added functionallity that Java can bring to their system will serve them well.
Security -- Re:Non-issue. (Score:1)
AOL users are notoriously vulnerable to social hacking (remember how "Melissa virus" was distributed?) so why not use smart/id cards or perhaps a pin & card combination? (but this increases the production cost)... so perhaps an "at home only" lock, fingerprint, voiceprint or more limited acces abroad (ie no online transactions)? Any number of beefed up security features can easily be built into the new boxes...
Re:Not likely, but possible (Score:1)
I think it's almost certain that if they do one, they'll do the other as well. I know several people who only turn on their machines to get on AOL (which boggles my mind). You think microsoft is bad...imagine a world in which AOL has taken over with Java, Linux, and whatever else they can get their grubby little hands on. AOL software-only boxes...pay by the use java word processors...it's not a world I'd want to live in. Even the idiots deserve better.
Re:Linux and low memory footprints (Score:1)
And if you're looking at set top boxes, you're looking at things like playing multimedia files, heavy web browsing, heavy graphics, java, etc.
With all that, you need a lot of RAM to just get a usable system. It is clear that for anything that doesn't run off a battery, the difference between 2 and 4 megs ram (or even 8 megs) is not all that significant.
Non-issue. (Score:1)
Or will it *require* root access to run, thus defeating all of the security gained from Linux?
Somehow, I doubt security would be a big issue. IMHO, for most of the people who would be using this, a simple password to logon would be enough; balls to the rest.
Hell... looking at how many people don't even bother supplying a logon password to their windows boxen (yes, I know it's easy to bypass, but still...), I doubt even a password would be much of a concern.
I figger that it would most likely run under any userid, but even if not, no biggie.
--
- Sean
Re:Javagator II: Return from the dead (Score:1)
Any hybrid system of Java & native code would defeat the purpose of using Java in the first place (platform independence, low software development costs etc.)
Linux lends itself nicely to new or unusual forms of deployment since there is stacks of (free)info/advice available.
Java seems to be dead these days. Apart from academic use (in AI) and the occasional (annoying) applet, it seems extinct. A shame really...
Re:I can see it now.... (Score:1)
Re:Not likely, but possible (Score:1)
java (Score:1)
ah recursion... (Score:1)
such sweet irony
Re:Ericsson's "e-box" appliance is based on Linux (Score:1)
I can't find the word Linux on Ericsson's web site
about this product, nor in the PDF file that gives
more details about the e-box.
Re:netscape best app server? (Score:1)
check out philip greenspun's new book for a real mean thrashing.
Native Java Code (Score:1)
It is very very very cool. It is also quite useless in my opinion. You could use it as a secure way of authenticating people. A more secure replacement for security cards.
Re:Big? (Score:1)
They could use 386s!
which would anyone choose? (Score:1)
It seems too many morons out there are choosing NT anyway.
What about GEM? (Score:1)
but now that Caldera is making GEM open source,
that would be an interesting base for small
system graphics. But making GEM rich enough to
support Netscape might take a lot of work.
It might be too early for Linux to kill Windoze
on the desktop, but it should massacre CE.
MediaGX Chips Perhaps? (Score:1)
I haven't checked the prices on the StrongARM but I know these chips can be had wholesale for around $10-20
SP
Screw the monitor (Score:1)
Re:How it could be done (the cell phone model) (Score:1)
Re:Not likely, but possible (Score:1)
AOL and Linux (Score:1)
Big? (Score:2)
best way to do the setop box ?? (Score:2)
why not put in a small linux kernel,a tiny windowing system (NanoGUI),mozilla and the java libs compiled as native code for the machine,IIRC i think the java lib are compiled as java bytecode,i looked in the egcs source code,there was a compiler for java who compile native code,the vm could be hacked to use the platform native java lib instead of calling the bytecode lib,it could speed up the execution of java proggy and also lessen the use of memory,what do you all think about this ??
Canadian AC
Intel making a set-top box based on GTK+????? (Score:2)
------------------
Job Title: Senior Software Engineer - Home Products Group
Division: Software Engineering
Location: PORTLAND, OR 97124, USA
Description: JOIN INTEL IN PORTLAND, OREGON!
Intel earned its reputation for excellence by challenging the status quo and embracing change. Values like these have led to technological leadership as well. We
currently have a challenging opportunity for an individual with the right mix of skill, dedication, and ingenuity. Here's your chance to apply your expertise for the
world leader in technology Intel. After work, discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with ocean beaches, extensive forests, and the breathtaking peaks of
the Cascade Mountains, all within a couple hours drive.
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Intel's Home Products group is looking for software engineers to build state-of-the-art consumer products. Our developments are based on Linux. Our customers
are broadcasters worldwide. In this position you will be
a part of the team developing TV set top client software.
An MS/BS with 3-5 years of relevant experience is required along with prior experience with software architecture and design, working in multi-person projects.
C/C++ development experience on UNIX on Intel Architecture (Solaris, FreeBSD, Linux, Sequent, etc.) is also required. Experience developing BSD Socket based
components and device drivers for UNIX based systems and understanding of X Windows architecture, including X Server is essential. Knowledge of GTK+, GTK
Canvas, and GNOME is a great plus.
Email: jobs9@intel.com
I can see it now.... (Score:2)
Just thought I'd ask....
I want to own a cultural icon!
Chuck
Re:Linux and low memory footprints (Score:2)
X11 a lot, and the nano-gui project is now beginning to get workable code. See http://www.linuxhacker.org
Small devices... (Score:3)
Then again, they don't need it. And, in this case, for something that needs a GUI and whatever, there will definitely be more than a few megs of RAM available (one would hope.)
But, as am embedded guy, when I hear "small footprint" I think in terms of K, not M, as that is what quite a few devices out there have. That is probably where that statement came from.
Not likely, but possible (Score:3)
Java will most likely be used even if it is less than satisfactory from a technology standpoint since the business people will be making the decisions and not the technology people.
None of the opinions expressed here reflect those held by my employer or my school in any way.
This can't please Sun (Score:3)
Linux could be a very smart move for AOL, which really doesn't care what OS is used, as long as it works and will allow access AOL content. And Linux, after all, is free...!
That won't make Sun Microsystems happy, but it's not like Sun has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Java technologies can work seamlessly on these smaller appliances.
Figure Linux on the set-top boxes, maybe a small Java OS on handhelds (and yeah, AOL wants in on handhelds, too). I don't even think AOL will mind the GPL on Linux -- the more people who have boxes, the better off AOL will be.
Gotta remember, AOL is all about reaching customers with content. They'd do it by carrier pigeon if they thought it would work.
Here's a scary thought for y'all. Back when TV was getting off the ground, everyone was psyched about the technology behind it. Today, we take the television infrastruture -- the satellite transmissions, TV cameras, etc. -- for granted. That will probably happen with computing, one day, and AOL knows it.
How it could be done (the cell phone model) (Score:3)
I've been toying with this very idea for a while now, and here are some of my thoughts on architecture...
CPU: StrongARM or PPC. Forget Pentium hogs or quasi-vaporware Java chips.
Ports: VGA, USB, IR, and maybe 1394 (for high-speed peripherals like disk drives). A cheap low-end chipset is enough to work at adequate resolution with any VGA monitor. Keyboard and mouse can work through IR or USB, no need for parallel, old serial, or PS/2. A really stripped-down box needs only USB and VGA.
Networking: Modem or ethernet, use PCMCIA.
OS: Linux, of course.
Drives: Think they could cram a non-development Linux setup into 340M? Use the IBM microdrives. Add a 1394 port, and attach any other drives you need. No need for a floppy (blech!), or even a CD-ROM, but the 1394 could support backup devices, DVD, whatever.
Power supply: Wall-wart. With a StrongARM and a microdrive, power requirements will be trivial.
Now, consider economies of scale on production. I'll bet this box could be built for under $100, sans monitor. At that price point, giving away PCs makes sense!
Not a bad idea in general... (Score:3)
The memory issues are with the GUI and browser -- but would a windows box require any less?
I recently bought retail (but cheapie) a motherboard with on-board IDE/Floppy/Serial/USB/Parallel, Cyrix P-266, 32MB of RAM, a cheapie 2MB video card, and a 32x CD-ROM drive for $155 including tax. It runs Linux and X just fine.
Add a case/PS/keyboard/mouse for another $50 and a 1GB hard drive for $50 and you've got a full system ready to hook up to a TV for about $250 at retail prices. Cut that in half for wholesale (or less!) and you've got a very affordable set-top box.
Heck, you wouldn't even need that big a hard drive -- send out your AOL CD's and let them boot off of that. The user wouldn't need to worry about screwing up the config, and updates would just mean putting a new CD in the drive and rebooting. All the configuration work would be done by AOL so the user wouldn't have to know a compiler from a cappucino.
It wouldn't have to be AOL, though. Anyone could do it -- just set it up so the user puts in their logon info and dial up # and sell it for general use.
This could be a real market...
Linux and low memory footprints (Score:4)
---
However, Sean Kaldor, also of IDC, was more cautious about using Linux in smaller devices. "The advantage is zero cost per unit. The disadvantage is that it's big and will require some engineering" to fit into small devices. The balance will be in choosing between paying for an operating system already designed for small devices and paying for the larger memory requirements of Linux, he said.
---
Look at all the portable Linux projects right now, like Linux for the Palm platform, etc. It can be run in a small memory footprint, if memory serves me correct (2.0.x could run in 4MB or so). I believe WinCE needs at least 8MB (or possibly more) to run.
It won't require engineering if you actually take a look at the low-memory Linux projects already available! I think that people have to realize that Linux isn't just a 500MB install... it's a highly configurable system that can run on nearly anything.
I'd say the biggest problem would be porting Linux to the portable platform, but most of the major platforms already have Linux support.
I wouldn't mind trying Linux for the Dragonball (PalmPilots), but I'd need a PP first