It seems the ROS kernel splashtop is running is a tiny linux 2.6.20 according to a phoronix article. The motherboard boots just like any other and then loads the os from flash after the BIOS is done. All this takes just 9 seconds. Seems to me the os could be loaded from a USB stick nearly as fast. The speed seems to come from the fact that the hardware configuration is known and limited. Could it be Robert's new tiny os will be an even better solution for this type of application. The interest in the instant on "main" os pre-boot environment is growing rapidly as vista and the large linux distributions take minutes to boot.
"One detail that was also shed during yesterday's briefing was word that the current SplashTop product is based upon the Linux 2.6.20 kernel. Right now, the source-code for SplashTop isn't available for download; however, complying with the terms of the GNU GPL license, developers that email DeviceVM for the source-code can have a CD mailed to them. In the coming months the source-code will be publicly available on the Internet."
Quote (curaga @ May 15 2008,17:25)
Currently this would need a remaster, since loading the backup is done quite late in the boot process. With the tiny core I believe it could be easier.
Hi there
Instant on would be perfect for Kiosk kind of applications.
I would gladly help on doing such a remaster. do you have any hints, entry points for me to get active?
Greets chrisNo quick way. There is tons of remastering info on the wiki and here in the forums, meo's 80-page thread about it is very helpful.
To get your hands dirty, get a virtual machine like Qemu for easy testing, and start small
First do a simple thing, like remove an app or edit the menu. Then you can progress to editing the scripts or adding apps, and then the bootscripts.
original here.
