Poll: Windows version of HeadUnit needed?

**NoPistonPC** · 09-22-2004, 05:21 PM

I've been working on HeadUnit now for several months (actually, it's only a few weeks of actual development time) and there's still a lot of work ahead (GPS, XM, Radio, plus bug fixes).

So far, I've been developing the software so that it would compile on Windows, as well as Linux, so that it would be available to more people. However, I was wondering if there was enough interest in the Windows version for me to continue to support it.

There are several reasons why I don't think it is worth it to continue with the Windows version:

1) There is already a lot of great software available for Windows (FrodoPlayer, MediaCar, MediaEngine, MMC, NeoCar, etc...)

2) It limits what can be done with the Linux version

3) Many of the required libraries are not cross-platform (like DirectShow, Xine, Radio interface, etc...) which requires platform-specific interface code.

4) Which the introduction of an easy-to-use distro/installer, even people with no Linux experience can install and use it.

If you would still like me to maintain a windows version, speak up now, or else I will assume there is no interest, and it will soon be history.

**gareva1** · 09-22-2004, 05:26 PM

I definately agree that there are enough windows interfaces out there...I dont understand why people try to reinvent the wheel, as most of them have exactly the same features (conceding that some people want the satisfaction of saying they did it themselves is a more than good enough reason)...I'd just make the linux version, as there aren't a whole lot of them around

**bertybassett** · 09-22-2004, 05:41 PM

yeah no windows support is a good idea.

**archimense** · 09-22-2004, 06:02 PM

I would like the Windows support to continue. I run Windows in my car because there are programs I need to run that are only available under Windows. Also I am not a Linux guy.

I can understand the extra difficulty in making the system cross platform, but am I correct in saying this is the only open source Windows multi-media car software?

I like MediaCar and FrodoPlayer, but they aren't open source. Plus MediaCar support seems to have ended.

**mushupork5** · 09-22-2004, 06:06 PM

although i am a windows guy and have tracked dev'd from the beginning i think its a good idea to stop windows support. with linux you can get much faster boot times and it has more options here and there. the only problems are that for non linux people (me as well) there would have to be a install cd (which is in the works) and that there currently isn't much native support for GPS on a linux platform. it is hard to beat routis/iguidance. if wine could be easily embedded and show little performance sacrafice then im all for it. also, with the distro, i'm not running a via mobo and suggust that there be a via specific distro and a more general one.

my $.02

**EBFoxbat** · 09-22-2004, 06:53 PM

just get GPS working under linux

**toadster123** · 09-22-2004, 07:05 PM

windows is widely used and does have many programs for it already.... which makes it difficult to incorporate all the 'features' one would want into linux... such as gps... if their is any gps solution.. then i would say stop dev for windows....

Im not sure how far you have gotten in dev for both platforms, but i would say to get a basic , clean version for windows running... then focus mainly on the linux version...

also , if i heard correctly, HeadUnit works only on via mobos??? if possible, i think it would benefit many if it was compatible with all AT/ATX mobos.....

**kuo** · 09-22-2004, 10:13 PM

i use windows but if you can get gps working then dropping windows seems like a good idea.

**NoPistonPC** · 09-23-2004, 01:44 AM

It seems to me that the general consensus is that GPS is the main feature keeping people from using linux. I have been preaching for a while now that wine is a solution for this that works well. I guess its time to actually make this happen and release a distro on a CD so people can see for themselves.

Regarding the windows port, I think what I will do is focus on linux mainly and work on Windows when I have the time. Of course, the best solution would be to have someone take over the windows port (hint, hint

)

Originally Posted by mushupork5

also, with the distro, i'm not running a via mobo and suggust that there be a via specific distro and a more general one.

Originally Posted by toadster123

also , if i heard correctly, HeadUnit works only on via mobos??? if possible, i think it would benefit many if it was compatible with all AT/ATX mobos.....

Headunit is not at all tied to any specific mobos. In fact, the distro will let you choose the correct kernel for your mobo. This will include support for Athlons, P4s, VIA C3's, etc...