Running Linux on a RiscPC – why is it so hard?
8 days ago
- #Debian
- #RiscPC
- #Linux
- The author wanted to run Debian on their RiscPC, a 1994 ARM desktop, for nostalgic and UNIX-like experience reasons.
- Initial attempts with Debian 2.2 (Potato) and 3.0 (Woody) failed due to compatibility issues, missing bootloaders, and crashing binaries.
- The author faced challenges with partitioning, missing tools like !PartMan, and had to manually format and mount filesystems.
- Attempts to use debootstrap to create a Debian installation were complicated by issues with tar and missing system components like /dev/console.
- A custom initrd was created to include necessary kernel modules and tools, enabling a successful boot into Debian Woody.
- Manual installation of packages was required due to failures in the automated installer, with dependencies resolved through brute-force methods.
- Final setup included configuring /etc/fstab, setting up modules, and securing the system with a root password.
- The author reflects on the messy process but achieves a working Debian Woody installation on the RiscPC, with future goals including improving the boot process and getting XFree86 working.