Linux on the Road

Abstract

Mobile computer devices (laptops, PDAs, cell phones, digital cameras, calculators, wearables, ...) are different from desktop/tower computers. They use certain hardware such as PCMCIA cards, infrared ports, batteries, docking stations and hardware parts cannot be changed as easily as in a desktops, e.g. the graphic card. Often their hardware is more limited (e.g. disk space, CPU speed), though the performance gap is becoming smaller. In many instances, laptops can become a desktop replacement.

Hardware support for Linux (and other operating systems) on mobile devices is sometimes more limited (e.g. graphic chips, internal modems). They often use specialized hardware, hence finding a driver can be more difficult. Many times they are used in changing environments, so there is a need for multiple configurations and additional security strategies.

Though there are laptop and PDA related HOWTOs available already, this guide contains a concise survey of documents related to mobile computer devices. Also, laptop and PDA related Linux features, such as installation methods for laptops (via PCMCIA, without CD drive, etc.), laptop hardware features and configurations for different (network) environments are described.

And though some caveats Linux is a better choice for mobile devices, than most other operating systems. Because it supports numerous installation methods, works in many heterogenoues environments and needs smaller resources.

The printed version includes an additional part "Lectures, Presentations, Animations and Slideshows".