Installing Linux on an Android tablet. Linux or Android - which is better on TV? Other mobile Linux projects

Is very popular, especially among system administrators and developers software. Great amount various devices works under his control. Unfortunately, there are virtually no mobile devices, such as a tablet, that support Linux natively. On this moment Only one model has been released, running on Ubuntu. But buying it may not be so easy, since it is not available in every country.

If desired, you can install Linux on your tablet, replacing Android.

Naturally, many may wonder whether it is possible to install Linux on a tablet that originally runs Android instead of this OS. Officially, both Android and Linux have the same kernel, but, unfortunately, Linux will not work fully on an Android tablet. Developments are underway in this direction, and many programmers are actively working to solve the problem, but the reality today is that you need to be sophisticated to run a Linux distribution on an Android tablet.

In this material, we will provide an overview and step-by-step steps on how to install a Linux distribution on your tablet. We will tell you what conditions need to be met, how to prepare your device, and also tell you about the features of the procedure.

What you will need:

• Android tablet.
• SD card with a capacity of 3.5 GB or more.
• root access
• a complete backup of all data for one hundred percent certainty of a safe outcome. you move large files and perform many operations, so this is simply necessary.

IMPORTANT. DENIAL OF RESPONSIBILITY. Despite the fact that this process does not cause any damage, the site's editors are not responsible if something happens to your Android device during the installation or launch of Ubuntu.

Make sure you have superuser rights. On almost every device you can do this by checking if you have the Superuser app. If you don't have root rights, you can get them. To do this, find out the instructions specific to your device.

BusyBox libraries will help you interact with the Android system. You can download the installer from the Play Store (or Android Market), by going here (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busybox) and downloading it. Go to the BusyBox Installation tab and click the Install button. Once the utility is installed, you can move on to the next step by installing a terminal emulator.

Step 2: Install the terminal emulator and check that it works correctly.

The most popular terminal emulator for Android is on this page (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jackpal.androidterm) at Play Market. By following the link, download it, install it on your tablet and run it.

After the application window opens, enter the word “su”. The utility will ask you to provide root access, and you must give it because the utility runs system scripts that we will later use to start Ubuntu.

To check if the BusyBox terminal and libraries are working correctly, enter the command “busybox arping –help”. If the terminal gives you a text with a lot of options, such as -f -q -b, everything works. If not, check if your phone is rooted, if BusyBox was installed correctly, and if the terminal has permissions. If everything is in order, you can continue.

If you've finished everything necessary actions steps 1 and 2, no need to worry. The next few steps are very simple. Start by connecting your phone to your computer. You must enable the USB drive, which will allow you to open your SD card on your computer (most of you will know this when you have moved music and other files from your computer to Android).

Next, you need to create a folder called “Ubuntu” on the SD card. Then you should download this one (https://sourceforge.net/projects/linuxonandroid/files/Ubuntu/10.10/ubuntuV5-image.zip/download) and this one (https://sourceforge.net/projects/linuxonandroid/files/Ubuntu /10.10/ubuntuV5-script.zip/download) files. These are ZIP files that contain 2 important things: the startup script and the Ubuntu file system. If you open the first ZIP archive, you will find the IMG file, and if you unzip the second file, you will find the SH file.

Unzip both archives and move the files to the “Ubuntu” folder. You should now have two files in the folder. Most of the necessary processes have been completed.

Step 4: Start Ubuntu System

Go back to your terminal application and type "su" again, then write "cd/mnt/sdcard". To make sure everything works, try typing "ls" and see if you can recognize your folders (you should be able to find the Ubuntu folder too).

To start your Ubuntu, type "cd /ubuntu" followed by "sh ubuntu.sh". This will cause many processes to run that will try to install your system. Next, the utility will ask you to select a screen resolution. Enter it in the width x height format, for example, 1280 x 720. For better performance, so that the tablet does not slow down, choose a lower resolution. Now everything is done.

The Ubuntu system is working, but we cannot see it. To see GUI, you need to use the VNC protocol client. We can download any of them from the Play Store.

Run the program and enter the following data:

• login: user
• password: ubuntu
• address: localhost

ATTENTION. If you don't want to damage your Ubuntu system, always type "exit" in the terminal before shutting down or turning off your tablet.

Conclusion

We told you about the most working and least problematic way to install Linux on a tablet. If you want to run the system fully, instead of Android, you need to be a programmer and at least be able to reprogram partitions in case of any errors.

Were you able to run Linux on your tablet? Tell us in the comments.

Televisions have long ceased to be a simple screen for broadcasting images from an antenna. Now they are a rather complex and multifunctional device. For a long time now, you can view various websites on TV, play publicly available videos, and even play games. To achieve this, almost all modern TVs have Smart TV technology. This technology is based on existing OS. These can be either existing operating systems or manufacturers’ own developments. Of the most popular operating systems, two can be distinguished: Linux and Android.

Linux OS

This operating system for Smart TV is a remake of the OS of the same name for PCs. Sony's development allows you to watch videos and surf the Internet with high quality. It is also possible to install additional applications from the available catalog. The downside is that, unlike a similar system on a PC, this OS does not have the same flexibility. On such a Smart TV you cannot install third-party applications and various extensions not provided by the developer. There is also a problem with updating applications. However, this can also be a plus, since closed code allows you to protect users from various kinds of interventions and risks of incompatibility and incorrect operation.

Android OS

This system is the most popular because it is easy to learn and universal. On a TV with this OS you can install almost any application and run many games. The list of applications is the same as on modern smartphones. Both operating systems are almost the same and are interchangeable.

The downside may be certain risks that arise if the user decides to install applications from third-party developers. And, although the system warns about possible instability when installing applications not provided by the manufacturer, users often carry out this procedure and encounter various kinds of difficulties.

Android OS is an open source system, which creates a lot of opportunities for attackers. Installation third party applications At best, it may result in the fact that the installed option will not work correctly or will not work at all. In the worst case, the TV may simply turn into a “brick”, losing its functionality. In this situation, only the help of specialists can come to the user’s aid.

What's better?

Both Linux and Android systems provide the user with a lot of possibilities, turning the TV into a kind of computer with a lot of options. When choosing a TV OS, the user should decide what is more important to him: versatility or reliability.

Android OS provides the owner with much more opportunities than Linux, however, these opportunities are accompanied by risks, especially for users unfamiliar with the world of technology. Linux on the TV, in turn, allows the owner to enjoy all the main advantages of Smart TV, without the risk of catching malware or damage the TV. However, many features are limited by developers, and some options are not available to users of this particular operating system.

Sick of Android? Don't want to be in a private ecosystem? Security and privacy are becoming increasingly important to smartphone users, but what is the answer?

Is it possible to abandon Android and iOS in favor of another mobile operating system?

If you need an alternative operating system, Linux is usually the answer. But which Linux operating systems for smartphones are available to install today?

1. Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch

Originally released by Canonical developers, Ubuntu Touch is currently supported by UBports. This means that the abandoned Ubuntu Touch mobile operating system lives on.

Ubuntu Touch's approach to smartphones is smart, dealing with the lack of apps by providing social, news and photo tools natively. This is done under the guise of areas, different home screen pages that provide customizable news, weather, apps and social media.

All this works well, although there are always missing applications.

The greatest strength of Ubuntu Touch is convergence.

This is a system very similar to Microsoft Continuum and , in which the mobile device is connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and used as a desktop computer. The only real difference between this and desktop Linux devices is that the phone has an ARM processor.

Currently supported devices include phones that come pre-installed with Ubuntu Touch, as well as OnePlus One, Fairphone 2, and Nexus 5 (Hammerhead). Many others are in active development, such as OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3.

2. Sailfish OS

Sailfish OS

Co-developed by Jolla, Mer (middleware stack developer), Sailfish Alliance (a group of corporations) and community members, Sailfish OS is a continuation of the abandoned MeeGo operating system based on Maemo and Moblin.

The latest version of Sailfish OS is known as Sailfish X, which runs on Sony devices Xperia X. Unfortunately, Sailfish OS is not open source, but free version is limited in time.

The full version of Sailfish X will set you back around $50 and is only available in the European Union, Norway and Switzerland. As noted on the website:

“...use of our website and Sailfish X purchase services outside of Authorized Countries is prohibited.”

Sailfish OS has support for Android apps, so if those calls, this OS is worth a try.

3. Plasma Mobile

Plasma Mobile

One of best option is Plasma Mobile, aimed at smartphones. Plasma itself is considered one of the best Linux desktop environments.

Having received a lot of attention throughout 2017 (mostly due to Ubuntu's abandonment of Ubuntu Touch), Plasma Mobile's goal is to become "full and open software system for mobile devices."

Currently compatible with Nexus 5 (Hammerhead) and OnePlus One, Plasma Mobile (based on Kubuntu) is also available for PCs and tablets on Intel based, thanks to the Arch Linux-based version.

There is also multiROM support for the Nexus 5 (Hammerhead), allowing you to run Plasma Mobile alongside your preferred custom Android ROM.

Perhaps the best thing about the Plasma Mobile project is that you can run Plasma desktop apps and widgets, as well as Ubuntu Touch apps. This gives the project a wider selection of applications than Ubuntu Touch.

Other mobile Linux projects

As of this writing, there are three other notable Linux mobile projects to note:

Halium

The goal of Halium, conceived as a system to improve future mobile projects Linux, "to unify the hardware abstraction layer for projects running GNU/Linux on mobile devices with pre-installed Android."

There is also an intention to standardize other software and improve Linux access to audio, camera, GPS and other hardware.

If this project is successful, it will be much easier Linux installation to smartphones.

PureOS

A more complete project comes in the form of a mobile version of PureOS, Purism's privacy and security-focused Linux distribution.

There's currently no way to download PureOS for mobile devices, but Purism's first phone, the Librem 5, will be released in 2019. It will be the most secure and private mobile device, much of it will be powered by the PureOS operating system.

postmarketOS

Describing itself as a “true Linux distribution on a phone,” postmarketOS (pmOS) is Alpine's version of Linux for smartphones.

Currently in early development, the goal of pmOS is to create a stable mobile OS with long-term support.

pmOS can run a large number of devices, including Amazon Fire HDX devices Google Nexus and telephones and samsung tablets Galaxy.

However, at this early stage of pmOS development, few of these devices have a full feature set. However, by offering multiple desktop environments, the pmOS project looks good enough to fulfill its goal of creating a long-term sustainable Linux-based mobile operating system.

Applications that install Linux on Android

If you're desperate to have Linux in your pocket but don't have any of the devices listed above, there are alternatives.

They allow you to run Linux (or provide appearance Linux) from the comfort of your Android device as an application. Basically, these applications offer emulation.

KBOX

A tool that doesn't require root rights KBOX is described as “a project to create a miniature Linux distribution for Android devices, providing a Linux-like console environment.”

So it has a lot of utilities command line, but not available in Google Play. Instead, you will have to visit the website to download and install the APK. Before you continue, make sure you understand the pitfalls of installing apps from third-party sites outside of Google Play.

Download: KBOX (free)

Linux Deploy

Instead of a command line environment with some Linux tools, you may prefer something like Linux Deploy from Google Play. This is an open source application for simple and quick installation GNU/Linux operating system on an Android device. Linux Deploy allows you to choose from several different distributions. They are installed into a disk image in the device storage.

After installation you will be able to access the desktop environment Linux desktop on your phone or tablet.

Download: Linux Deploy (Free)

Your smartphone deserves Linux

In short, Linux is already available for many smartphones. But there is still a long way to go. Linux distributions on mobile devices are rare and they all need your support.

If you have one of the devices mentioned above, try using a compatible Linux distribution.

Spend a few days with it to see how it works for you. Then, let the community know how it went. Let them know what worked and what didn't.

If you know how to code, why not offer your help to one of the development projects, or better yet, you can even start developing your own mobile version Linux using project

Those of you who use Linux OS on your computers know that it is very different from the Android OS usually used on a mobile phone or tablet. One of the clear differences that can be seen in the two OS is that Android is heavily focused on touch operations, while Linux is limited to keyboard and mouse operations. However, both operating systems have a common origin and use the same kernel.

Linux is best defined as an operating system suitable for running on a device with fixed or limited functionality - for example, embedded Linux on a smart refrigerator or toaster. This allows the device to take full advantage of Linux's enormous processing power and make the most of its peripherals. When used on a fixed-feature device, embedded Linux delivers unprecedented operational efficiency and performance, using minimal memory and power while making it as easy as possible for the user to use the device as intended.

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Smartphones and tablets, although embedded devices, definitely do not have a fixed function ( different models with many functions). The sheer volume of these devices tends to skew the traditional definition of embedded Linux. As hardware capabilities increase, the definition of embedded Linux is also evolving, especially as it relates to storage and processor limitations.

On the other hand, Android, although a desktop mobile operating system and Linux platform, allows users (manufacturers) to define their own usage patterns. It also allows providers to dynamically update the platform. However, some applications blur the distinction between Android and embedded Linux.

One example of this type of application can be seen in the set-top box. It used to be a fixed function device running on embedded Linux. Thanks to the increased functionality and dynamism of the TV, the set-top box can now download applications and update software, similar to Android devices. Moreover, Android is experiencing changes similar to those faced by embedded Linux. It's not just a tablet operating system or a mobile communications system.

Many people don't know that Android and Linux use the same kernel. However, Android focuses on vertically integrating its user space components with the Linux kernel itself. In most cases, Android can be thought of as another variant of embedded Linux - just like every embedded Linux is tailored to the processor architecture. peripheral devices, SoC support and the purpose of the device on which it is supposed to work.

What makes Android special is its ability to be customized and optimized while maintaining common components and standardized APIs. This allows the application development environment to be more consistent. Of course, this also means that Android kernel images are very big size to maintain this consistency or standardization. It also increases the surface area for vulnerability profiles.

With Android you have a large number of functionality. IN Lately some of the leading developments to support new graphics accelerators and SoC appear for the first time in the Android environment. They are then pushed towards other projects related to the Linux kernel.

Android vs Linux

Android is an open source operating system designed for mobile devices by Google. The original developer of Android software, Android, Inc., was acquired by Google, Inc. in 2005. It was developed based on the Linux 2.6 kernel. The Linux operating system was developed in 1991 as an open source operating system for desktop computers Linus Torvalds. The Linux operating system was designed as a MINIX operating system and did not support 32-bit features with Intel computers 80386 Although Android is based on Linux, the operating system does not fully use the standard Linux kernel. Currently, Android architecture only supports two types of architecture: x86 and ARM. However the Linux kernel supports Various types architectures, including x86 architecture, which is most commonly used in desktop and laptop/server systems. Android system uses x86 architecture for Mobile Internet Devices (MID) and ARM platform for mobile phones.

During the development of the Android operating system, several features were added to the Linux kernel which include: alarm driver, kernel debugger, logger, power management and general driver. Android memory. These enhancements were built on top of the standard Linux kernel.

The Android operating system has had many updates since its release. Every operating system update includes several bug fixes as well as some new features. Each a new version The Android operating system is released under a unique name based on the dessert element. These versions are in alphabetical order, for example; Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb etc. future Android version will be called Ice Cream Sandwich, released in the fourth quarter of 2011. Linux is distributed in various flavors: debian, ubuntu, knoppix, gentoo, pacman, RPM, Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, mandriva Linux, slackware and slax. Ubuntu based distribution has several options such as; Edubuntu, Gobuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Netbook, Ubuntu mobile and Ubuntu version Server.

Most Linux distributions use the GNU C Library to meet their library needs. The Android operating system has its own C library known as Bionic, which is designed to provide fast execution paths and prevent crashes. The library includes content from the BS BSD library and the original Android source code. Additionally, Android, Inc. developed its own Dalvik virtual machine, unlike virtual machine Java, which uses native bytecode instead of Java bytecode.

The storage medium used by Android is known as Another Flash File System (YAFFS). Flash memory is used due to space limitation in mobile devices. Flash memory also provides fast read access times and better kinetic shock resistance than traditional hard disks. The flash system used in Android is a type of NAND. A standard Linux system uses magnetic disks, not flash memory. Ext3 is the most widely used file system on a standard Linux system. In devices running under Android control, reducing power loss is managed by the native Linux Power Manager, rather than the Advanced Power Management (APM) or Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) features found in Linux.

1. Android is an open source operating system developed by Android, Inc., which is now

owned by Google, Inc., while Linux is developed as an open source operating system by the GNU Project by Linus Torvalds and many others.

2. Android is designed for mobile internet devices and mobile phones whereas Linux is designed for desktop/laptop/server.

3. The Android operating system has its own C library called Bionic, while Linux systems use the GNU C library.

4. Android systems use flash memory instead hard drives, while in standard Linux systems magnetic disks are used.

5. Android systems have their own power manager, whereas Linux systems use APM and ACPI for power management.