Hi,
I'm new to the list, and haven't really had a chance to read through all the archives. But, perhaps someone can give me a recommendation.
We're considering using LinuxBIOS for various reasons (well, I am), however looking at the web site and vendor list is a bit disappointing. I'm a bit concerned about long-term availability since most motherboards marked as "stable" are already at the end of their lifecycle. I'm hoping that list is outdated.
We (err ... I) would be willing to do minor coding to help the project, and maybe help out in other ways, but unfortuneately, I simply don't have the time or experience in the sort of low-level coding required to be of any practical use. Doing a port to another board is probably beyond my capability at the moment, and I certainly have plenty of other projects.
Basically, I'm hoping to get LinuxBIOS into a reliable, server-grade Pentium III (or better) motherboard that can handle a 1+ Ghz CPU. Preferably with dual Intel NICs on-board. I know, I'm asking way too much. From there, I'd like to customize the kernel in the ROM to provide encrypted hard disk support (likely an IDE Flash drive), and loading our software from an encrypted drive so people can't yank out the drive and read it.
If anyone has suggestions or recommendations, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Thank you, Evan Langlois
On Fri, 17 Oct 2003, Evan Langlois wrote:
We're considering using LinuxBIOS for various reasons (well, I am), however looking at the web site and vendor list is a bit disappointing. I'm a bit concerned about long-term availability since most motherboards marked as "stable" are already at the end of their lifecycle. I'm hoping that list is outdated.
It is outdated, but the problem you cite is real. We need more people getting involved, but it would be better if those people were vendors such as Tyan. We never wanted to be in the mobo port business; we wanted to encourage vendors to ship linuxbios installed. Some vendors have responded, but not as many as we would like.
Basically, I'm hoping to get LinuxBIOS into a reliable, server-grade Pentium III (or better) motherboard that can handle a 1+ Ghz CPU. Preferably with dual Intel NICs on-board. I know, I'm asking way too much. From there, I'd like to customize the kernel in the ROM to provide encrypted hard disk support (likely an IDE Flash drive), and loading our software from an encrypted drive so people can't yank out the drive and read it.
Can you afford a Tyan K8 dual-proc? Buy that with linuxbios installed by Tyan. A friend of mine from Sandia bought one and it is working for him. You can get Arima HDAMA systems from Linux NetWorx. Linux Labs will sell server-grade motherboards with LinuxBIOS installed. cwlinux.com will well motherboards with linuxbios installed too.
I think you can get what you need if you contact the right vendors.
ron
Can you afford a Tyan K8 dual-proc? Buy that with linuxbios installed by Tyan. A friend of mine from Sandia bought one and it is working for him. You can get Arima HDAMA systems from Linux NetWorx. Linux Labs will sell server-grade motherboards with LinuxBIOS installed. cwlinux.com will well motherboards with linuxbios installed too.
We certainly don't need the extra horsepower right now. The main concerns are compatibility with our existing code which seems to be kinda picky (until I get my hands on it). I'll definately look into Tyan - I didn't know they were being cooperative. Is it only the K8 dual-proc boards, or are there others from Tyan?
I'll also look into linuxlabs and cwlinux. I think one of those two had some descriptions on their web site, but the options were limited.
I think you can get what you need if you contact the right vendors.
Finding out who the right vendors are is why I'm here! I haven't even downloaded the latest release of the code yet - its on my TO-DO list.
Thanks for your feedback!
-- Evan
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Evan Langlois -
ron minnich