Linux on the Sun JavaStation NC HOWTO

Robert S. Dubinski

2000-Nov-15

This is a HOWTO document describing how to enable the GNU/Linux OS on the Sun JavaStation NC.

Table of Contents

1. META Information

1.1. The Purpose of this Document
1.2. Acknowledgments
1.3. Document Contributors
1.4. History of this document
1.5. Document Copyright and Licenses
1.6. Location of the Latest Version and Source

2. What is a JavaStation?

2.1. What is a JavaStation NC?
2.2. Definition of an NC including the Differentiation from PC's
2.3. Description of the JavaStation Model Line including Hardware Specs
2.4. Reasons for Running Linux and NC Myths Dispelled
2.5. Why JavaStations are No Longer Produced
2.6. Where to Purchase a JavaStation

3. Background Requirements for Linux on a JavaStation

3.1. Complete Hardware Requirements
3.2. Network Service Requirements
3.3. Understand the JavaStation Boot Sequence
3.4. Additional Software Requirements: Replacement Firmware (PROLL)
3.5. Decide on your Filesystem: NFS-Root, or Embedded?
3.6. Support Sites to Check Out: Zaitcev's Linux Site

4. Build Your Kernel

4.1. Before you begin
4.2. Make sure you use 32-bit mode
4.3. Supported Linux Kernel Versions
4.4. Required Kernel Configuration Options
4.5. Necessary Patch for "Embedded-Root" FS Configurations
4.6. Build the JavaStation-Ready Kernel
4.7. JavaStation-Ready Kernel Images, System.map and ".config" File Samples

5. Build A JavaStation-Ready FileSystem

5.1. Preparing Yourself to Build Your Own Filesystem
5.2. Contents of the "/etc/fstab" File
5.3. The "Embedded-Root" Image Creation Procedure
5.4. Sample FileSystems

6. Set up Your Server

6.1. Preface
6.2. Setting up the RARP service
6.3. Setting up the DHCP service
6.4. Set up NFS service ("NFS-Root Options" Only)
6.5. Setting up for Boot with TFTP
6.6. The Last Configuration Step
6.7. What to See When Booting Linux

7. Troubleshooting

7.1. When booting, the message "The file just loaded does not appear to be executable." Why?
7.2. When booting, the message "no a.out magic" appears and halts the boot. Why?
7.3. I tried booting a Krups but JavaOS comes up. I don't even have JavaOS!
7.4. Cannot Boot an "Embedded-Root" image > 10 MB on my JavaStation. Why?
7.5. After Booting, Typing Anything Yields Garbage Characters. Why?
7.6. In X Sessions to a Solaris server, the font server "xfs" crashes. Why?
7.7. Performing Indirect XDMCP to a Solaris Server Results in Session Login Failures. Why?
7.8. TFTPd config doesn't work on SUSE. Why?

8. Answers to Miscellaneous Questions

8.1. Regarding RARP: Is it Needed or Not?
8.2. Can One Use the Smart Card Reader on the Espresso models?
8.3. Can One Use the Solaris DHCP server instead of ISC?
8.4. Can One Pass Arguments to "/sbin/init" in a Diskless Boot like This?
8.5. Enabling X on the JavaStation
8.6. Is There Mailing List Help?
8.7. Can One Boot a JavaStation from Onboard Flash Memory?
8.8. Does "Piggyback" work for the x86 too?
8.9. I put new memory in, but now it doesn't boot. Why?
8.10. Now that JavaStations work with Linux, what about other Free OSs?
8.11. Do the Linux 2.4 kernels work? What's the latest that works?
8.12. Can I compile the kernel on a non-SPARC machine?
8.13. Can I get an ok> prompt like other Sun equipment?
8.14. My keyboard isn't recognized. What can I do?
8.15. Proll reports "TFTP: ARP Timeout". Why?

9. Unanswered Questions

9.1. Where Can One Find Espressos for Sale?
9.2. Do Tools Exist to Configure Net Boot Entries Quickly?
9.3. What can one use the Krups Flash memory for?
9.4. Why Can't I Get TrueColor on Krups?

10. Appendix

10.1. Mr. Coffee Jumper Info
10.2. Krups Jumper Info
10.3. JavaStation Press Release
10.4. JavaOS Download
10.5. Espresso IDE circuit
10.6. JavaStation Boot Monitoring Key Combinations
10.7. JavaStation Photo Gallery

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