We are living in a computerized age, and as such many devices out there, even those that we might not think of, include a small computer within them. In case a small computer is a real computer and not just an electronic circuit that enables electronic functions, then we can say it has an embedded computer inside.

The advantage that Linux has, as an operating system that is becoming more and more common, is that it is a basic computer operating system, that has a Kernel (Basic common features that let it act as a computer) and expansions. The core of a Linux operating system is very small and doesn’t require much of the computer resources. That is why Linux is one of the common operating systems used for embedded functions.

Basically, the idea is that we include a computer (a real one) in a miniature way (mostly within some hardware chip) that can function as a full computer as we know it, only with the limit capabilities and functions that we need exactly for the device we choose to embed.

Another major reason for using Linux as the core of such embedded solutions is that Linux is FREE, it is an open-source operating system, so anyone can use as he chooses. We can make changes to the kernel, re-compile and create a new Linux kernel of our own, and use it for our own purpose (of course that last sentence is for those who know how to make changes to the Linux kernel) otherwise you might damage the OS for good.

So let’s go over some examples of devices that use Embedded Linux, so we could better understand how it is being used (There are limitless solutions and many possibilities):

  1. Yoggie Gatekeeper – Windows firewall squeezed into a USB key – That is a full firewall appliance within a tiny USB key, you plug it in, and you are
    protected against all harm, while you connect to any wireless with your laptop, no matter what type of security measures that Wireless router has at that coffee shop.
  2. Archos – A portable media player and portable media devices. These devices include embedded Linux OS.
  3. Openmoko Linux – A Linux operating system for mobile phones. You can see that the Linux original kernel was just changed for mobile phone purposes.

Articles & Searches

 

  • Embedded Linux Wiki – Website with embedded Linux information.
  • Embedded Linux from Scratch – This is a technical article by Michael Opdenacker which explains how to build a tiny embedded system entirely from scratch, in 40 minutes.
  • books on Embedded Linux – This is a search I made for embedded Linux books in case you might consider buying/Reading and learn about it.

E-Books