Practice board/computer for the basics

Hi everyone!

I'm new to embedded linux. I want to "practice" cross-compiling (from x86) and using u-boot to load the kernel. Maybe configure hardware (not cpu), modify the root filsystem, etc.. The very basics that is.

Can you recommend something cheap and simple to do this on? Maybe an old ppc-mac, SOHO router, or reference board?

Thanks in advance!

/Richard

Richard,
You can think about beagle OMAP3530 reference board based on ARM A8 cortex from Texas Instruments.

You can find lot of info's about the board here @
http://beagleboard.org/

Best regards,
Suresh Maniyath

Originally Posted by lo127 Hi everyone! I'm new to embedded linux. I want to "practice" cross-compiling (from x86) and using u-boot to load the kernel. Maybe configure hardware (not cpu), modify the root filsystem, etc.. The very basics that is. Can you recommend something cheap and simple to do this on? Maybe an old ppc-mac, SOHO router, or reference board? Thanks in advance! /Richard

Or you can also try the SKY2440-v2 dev board at http://www.developmentboard.net, which I am currently using. Quit simple and easy to go, the vendor offers great support for their products, and you'll get detailed instruction for doing everything.

I believe their boards are the best for newbies like me

Anything that is already fully supported by uboot and the kernel would do fine.

My first Linux port was on an ARM9 board, but any of the usual suspects would do.

You can buy boards which are not only fully supported, but also ship with the kernel already running on them, as well as source.

Do a Google search for Olimex. I have the (ARM9) EP9302, which behaves very well and would suit a beginner.