Warnings
Linux is an OS on its own. It doesn't need the PalmOS. Yet we just can't launch Linux right at power-on, since the ROM isn't writable. That's why Linux is started from the PalmOS, like any other PalmOS application. But don't be fooled : once you've started the kernel, ALL YOUR DATA WILL BE LOST. You just can't hope to get your data back. That's why we stronly advise you to make a full backup of your palm before giving Linux a try.Choosing your installation method
You have basically two options :- Use the Tungsten's RAM to host a ramdisk, that will contain the root filesystem. This solution is perfect if you just want to give Linux a try. You will only get the most basic tools, so don't expect much from this solution. Yet it might be worth the try.
- Use a MultiMedia Card to host the root filesystem. We recommend using this solution if you plan to use Linux on a more regular basis, or if you just want to check the full-featured solution. MMCs aren't very expensive nowadays (in France you can get a 128MB one for 13 Euros), so you should consider getting one (and you'll also be able to use them on the PalmOS).
Using the RAM-only install
Here's a step-by-step tutorial :- Backup your data. Yes, I'm repeating it : backup all your PalmOS data ! Linux will wipe it out (or, even worse, corrupt it).
- Get the latest Garux_ramdisk.prc file from our released files section.
- Upload it to your Palm (using Palm Desktop, Pilot-Link, or an MMC/SD Card).
- On your Palm, simply click the "Garux" icon that appeared.
- Once you're done toying with Linux, reset your Palm and send it the backup you've just made. Even if your Palm might seem to work properly after reset, your data might be corrupted, so it's mandatory to reinstall your backup.
Using the MMC install
Here's a step-by-step tutorial :- Backup your data. Yes, I'm repeating it again and again: backup all your PalmOS data ! Linux will wipe out all your data (or, even worse, corrupt it).
- Get the Garux_MMC.prc file from our released files section.
- Upload it to your Palm (using Palm Desktop, Pilot-Link, or an MMC/SD Card.
- On your Palm, simply click the "Garux" icon that appeared.
- Once you're done toying with Linux, reset your Palm and send it the backup you've just made. Even if your Palm might seem to work properly after reset, your data might be corrupted, so it's mandatory to reinstall your backup.