polc1410

I'm interested in creating a linux based in car pc. Probably based on an ITX Mobo

I've read a fair bit about fake UPS etc, but what I think I'm really interested in would be a REAL UPS. It could be set to shut down (or hibernate) the PC if power failed for 1 minute which would cover the current drop on ignition or me killing the power and it would then perform a safe shutdown... But I don't see anything like this mentioned anywhere?

My plan would be to use linux as my OS. If i use a liliput 7" touch screen - i. what driver issues do people have with linux - ii. do you not NEED to login to linux? That would be a complete pain in the t*ts... ...even if i could get some form of onscreen keyboard I wouldn't want to have to login every time I get in the car...

Calum

MP3Car.com

 

bobs987

1.Are you familar with the linux OS? If not, i dont think that would bew the best route.
2. There are scripts that you can run for auto logon, i think mandrake linux allows auto logon and auto X-Server startup.
3.As far as touchscreen modules you would most likely have to rebuild the kernel (refer to 1) with HID and touchscreen support and its a pain in the @ss to configure.
4. If this would be your first encouter with linux i dont think this would be the setup for you, besides the Reiser filesystem, (here comes the debates) linux is not ready for in car use. some might find it usefull.But as for now Windows XP Pro would be the best way to go, sorry for any letdowns.

I think a linux based frontend in Linux would be awsome but no real eyecatching ones

polc1410

I have *SOME* experience with linux. I run a linux file server at home, but have no experience with it as a terminal

I'll need to investigate these. My experience is with Fedora, but if there is madrake script i'm sure it would work in fedora. I already have x-windows or kde out-starting

Joy! Does anyone have any comment on which touch screens are / are not compatable? What about an on screen keyboard... ...does one exist? I've seen car-puters with keyboards but was planning on being 'compact' Looking for something like a palm has or "on-screen keyboard" in XP.


-I can cope with the file system.
-Perhaps I should have explained what I want my car-puter to do... ...I want in car navigation. I can buy a program from directions.ltd.uk which is linux compatible -- it is also windows compat. Other stuff like MP3 playing and audio would be a bonus but not essential. I'd want car reader and wireless LAN so that I could upload new files fromthe driveway but I know I can do those bits in linux.


I'm not fussed for eye catching but I DO want something that doesn't fall over all the time, like the idea of saving £100 on an XP licence, BUT CRUICIALLY it has to be user friendly and easy to use on the road...

Calum

Grimey

Fedora Core 3 and Mandrake are very similar. You shouldn't have any compatibility issues. I run Fedora Core 3 at home as a terminal system and I love it, very good OS.

Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing about your progress, I would like to eventually get Linux to replace my carputer but I play to go M$ first off.

PS Just download winblows

stevieg

A real UPS is just a battery.... So you'd be missing the point really. If you want something impressive have a look at DC-DC supplies like the Opus. Cheaper than a decent UPS, they work much better. Treat the car battery like a UPS (it's a battery) and the power when the car is running (power from alternator) as you power source. Opus etc switch on/off with the car and are usually the best option.

If you want auto login, have a look at linux HTPC options... Setting "auto login" in linux is pretty easy (assuming you are on the console not in x etc) as the ssystem boots up in root then runs a login shell. Can't remember of the top of my head but stuff such as editing the tty file from the /sbin/login to a shell should do the trick.

__________________
Ford Focus MP3 : www.stevieg.org/carpc
Car PC Status: COMPLETE

drait

xkbd, GTkeyboard, GOK (all of which should work just fine under KDE or Gnome)

__________________
89 Supra Turbo

MP3Car.com