µbuntu
µbuntu
Status
Created: Date(2005-04-23T07:01:53Z) by MattZimmermanBR
Priority: MediumPriorityBR
People: TollefFogHeenLead, ThomMaySecond, ColinCharlesQueueBR
Contributors: MattZimmermanBR
Interested: MikeOConnor, DarrylRoss, RobertCollins, CelsoProvidelo, DanielDebonzi, JeromeGotangcoBR
Status: DraftSpec, BreezyGoal, UduBof, DistroSpecification, TollefFogHeenQueueBR
Branch: BR
Malone Bug: BR
Packages: BR
Depends: BR
Introduction
Create an Ubuntu derivative suitable for use on embedded systems and appliances such as home theatre systems.
Rationale
Many appliances are now being powered by Linux. As such, it makes a lot of sense for Ubuntu to target this space.
Scope and Use Cases
There are two different scopes in play:
minu-ubuntu:
- Appliance level, such as home theatre, PVR
- Larger footprint
- Custom applications for each appliance
- should be maintainable with standard distro tools
µbuntu: (pron myu-buntu"??)
mini-ubuntu µbuntu: The minimal seed should consist of the bare minimum of packages required to create a useful system. System integrators and ISVs would then integrate their applications on top of this shell; they could also select other packages as required. µbuntu requires that we go through some extra steps; we must be able to install from one platform (eg x86) to the target (eg arm) platform, and we must be able to only install the very minimum that a package requires to be useful; eg we strip out documentation. This will require hooks in dpkg to allow this to occur in an automated fashion. We must also create infrastructure to allow us to create images for automated installation onto embedded systems trivially. Embedded devices that run X need to use an alternative implementation, such as TinyX or kdrive. We need to investigate the sanest implementation and package it. Also, we should provide an example graphical environment such as GPE for testing purposes.
dpkg would need to be extended to provide hooks to allow for non-installation of chunks of packages to save space. Other packages in the minimal seed would need to be modified to provide information to the hooks in question.
Implementation Plan
Data Preservation and Migration
Packages Affected
User Interface Requirements
Outstanding Issues
UDU BOF Agenda
UDU Pre-Work