System

From OESF

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How do I get a Shell prompt on this thing?

• Install the Terminal program
  

By default, the Zaurus (and most Sharp-released software updates) do not come with a terminal program you can use to get a shell prompt to run the familiar Linux commands (like 'ls', 'cp', 'ping', etc.).

The standard http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_terminal.png program (an embedded version of the KDE project's "Konsole") is available from the MyZaurus.com 'Downloads' page.

A useful alternative to Sharp's Terminal is a version which contains 'tabs', allowing you to run multiple terminals in one window. Embedded-Konsole-Tabs is available at the Zaurus SourceForge project site.

Last updated: 2002.Mar.30

• Go into console mode
  

When the Zaurus first boots up, before the 'Zaurus' logo appears, there is a text screen containing boot-up messages. At one point, it says "Wait...". If you push the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_quest.png key, and then select the "a" option, you'll be given a log-in prompt.

If you'd rather not reboot the Zaurus, you can simply drop to text mode and get to the "Wait..." prompt by running the 'Shutdown' app., and select the "Terminate Qtopia" option.

When you're done in the console, you can simply issue an "exit" command and you'll return to the "Wait..." prompt. Wait about 5 seconds, or push http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_enter.png or http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_ok.png and the graphical Qtopia environment will start back up.

Last updated: 2002.May.30

What does 'Flashing the Zaurus' mean?

• Installing a new/upgraded set of base software
  

When Sharp releases updates to the core software for the Zaurus (the Linux kernel, drivers, and standard applications) on their download site, or when third parties (like the Open Source project OpenZaurus release alternative updates, you install them by copying them to the 16MB FlashROM inside the Zaurus.

When you reboot, the new system will 'unpack' itself into RAM and you'll have an upgraded Zaurus! (Note: Flashing typically, but not always, causes all of your current data and installed programs to be wiped, so you'll want to sync or back-up first!)

Last updated: 2002.Mar.29

How do I tell what ROM I have right now?

• System Info. will tell you.
  

The http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_system_info.png application will usually show you, under the 'Version' tab. (If it doesn't show you, you're running 1.02, and really SHOULD update.)

Applies to: ROM(s) 1.10 and later
Last updated: 2002.Apr.10

How do you flash the Zaurus?

• Copy a ROM-image to a CF card and do a special reboot
  

The 'README' text file that typically comes along with a ROM-image explains all of this, but to summarize:

• Back up your data, if you don't want it lost forever!
• Switch http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/hw_battery_lock.png to 'Replace Battery' and remove the battery cover.
• Connect the Zaurus to A/C power
• Press and hold the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_c.png + http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_d.png keys, and push http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_full_reset.png on the back of the Zaurus.
• Wait for the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/hw_led_email.gif and http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/hw_led_power.gif lights to turn off (it should take about 3 minutes)
• Push http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_full_reset.png again
• Replace battery cover and switch http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/hw_battery_lock.png back to 'Normal Operation'
• Push and hold http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/key_cancel.png to turn the Zaurus back on.

Last updated: 2002.Mar.30

What kind of flash memory card do I need to flash the Zaurus?

• 5000, 5500 and 5600 - can ONLY be flashed using CF cards
  

You must have a recognized, Windows format (FAT16) CF memory card to flash the Zaurus. SD cards won't work, and you currently can not do it via the USB cradle or a serial cable. (Note: People have also used CF microdrives.)

• 700,750,760,6000,1000,3000 - can be flashed with both CF and SD cards
  

Even large cards such as a 1GB SD card are fine. Last updated: 2005.May

What kernel is it running?

Sharp customised the linux kernels for their devices (and not necessarily very well), using the 2.4 kernel. Variants of pdaXrom use original Sharp kernels as well as their own 2.6. OpenZaurus has used 2.4 and 2.6, and Angstrom and its derivatives use 2.6 entirely.

• A 2.4 Linux Kernel
  

ROM 1.12/1.13 uses 2.4.6

Applies to: SL-5500 running ROM(s) 1.12/1.13
Last updated: 2002.Mar.30

• 2.46 or 2.4.18 Kernel
  

Sharp ROMs 2.x and 1.x for the SL5500 and SL5000D respectively use the Linux kernel 2.4.6

Sharp ROMs 3.x for the SL5500 and newer Zaurii models use the Linux kernel 2.4.18

Sharp ROMs 1.x for the SL-C1000 model use the Linux kernel 2.4.20

Source: tumnus - additions by OlivierBerger Last updated: 2005.Aprik.19

• Check under System Info.
  

Launch the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_system_info.png application, and go to the "Version" tab.

Last updated: 2002.Mar.30

• Check using the 'uname' command
  

Open the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_terminal.png , and then run the command 'uname†-a' to get the exact version of the Linux Kernel running on your Zaurus.

Last updated: 2002.Mar.30

speculatrix

Why does the system info. show 100% CPU usage?

• This is to save power
  

100% System CPU usage (the green line) in the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_system_info.png display is normal. This is the Linux kernel process, "kapm-idled." When it is 'running,' the CPU is actually halted and not drawing power. It's perfectly normal. As other actual applications require CPU, the red line will go up, and the green line typically goes down the same amount.

Source: Roy Murphy
Last updated: 2002.Apr.10

Does memory work like on PalmOS?

• No - Memory and storage are split, like regular computers
  

PalmOS has one flat memory space which is all accessible directly by the processor, and programs are "executed in place", i.e. they are not loaded from file system into memory, but are always resident in memory ready to run. Programs never really finish, they simply tell the OS they are done and the OS can restart them, they are not deleted unless the user wants to deinstall them.

The Zaurus has two forms of memory, used just as any linux system does:

• ROM (flash, which is accessed in blocks, and rewritten in whole blocks, and contains a file system)
• RAM - directly accessed linearly addressed memory.

The programs are stored in the flash's file system, and when invoked are loaded into RAM, references to shared libraries are dynamically linked, and then can be executed; once the program terminates the OS will delete them from memory and reuse it.

speculatrix

Where's all the memory the Zaurus is supposed to have? (Shouldn't it total to 64MB?)

• Half of it is being used for storage
  

Of the 64MB on the Zaurus SL-5500 (32MB on the SL-5000D), typically half of it is used for storage. If you add the total memory with the total internal storage (listed in the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_system_info.png app.), it should add up to just under 64MB.

Last updated: 2002.Apr.01

• The 16MB ROM is read-only
  

The 16MB ROM in the Zaurus is not what is listed as "Internal Storage" in the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_system_info.png app. It contains the base system, including the built-in applications (look in "/usr/QtPalmtop.rom/", for example), and is not writable. (It is only ever written to when you flash the Zaurus. See above.)

Source: David Hedbor
Last updated: 2002.Apr.01

• Available memory includes "Cached" as well as "Free"
  

When looking in the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_system_info.png app. under the "Memory" tab, only the red, "Used" part of the memory is actually not available. To get an idea of how much RAM is available for new programs to use, total up all of the other values, not just the dark blue "Free" part.

Last updated: 2002.Apr.01

Why do I keep running out of memory?

• The SL-5000D (developer model) Zaurus has only 32MB of RAM.
  

Some of the Sharp ROMs (1.10, 1.12) split this RAM up more evenly, providing less RAM for programs to run in (memory), and more space for programs and files to be installed in (filesystem).

Try using a different ROM which provides more RAM, or use a 'hacked' ROM (like those made by Paul†Flinders) which use an SD card for the entire filesystem, leaving almost all 32MB of RAM available for programs to run in.

Applies to: SL-5000D running ROM(s) 1.10/1.12
Last updated: 2002.May.20

• Run fewer programs in "Fast load" mode.
  

Click-and-hold the icon for an application in the 'Applications' tab and un-check the "Fast†load (consumes memory)" option.

By default, most ROMs have the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_address_book.png , http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_calendar.png and 'Todo List' applications set to "Fast†load".

Last updated: 2002.Mar.28

• Better memory management in 3.x ROMs

The 2.4.6 kernel on the SL5500 2.x ROMs did not manage memory very well. Flashing to the latest 3.x Sharp ROM gives a huge improvment in memory management.

Source: tumnus Last Updated: 2003.Oct.09

Can I adjust the ratio of memory to storage?

• SL-5000D users can use a different ROM
  

See above: "The SL-5000D (developer model) Zaurus has only 32MB of RAM".

Last updated: 2002.Apr.07

• Create a swapfile in Internal storage
  

Creating a swapfile in internal storage will provide more space for programs to run (virtual memory), while using some of the storage space. While a swapfile on the ramdisk is less efficient than actually changing the ratio of memory-to-storage, it is more flexible (no need to install a new ROM, and it can be done without rebooting).

See "Set up a 'swap' file on the card" under the Expansion_Slots_and_Cards section.

Source: Howard R. Abbey
Last updated: 2002.Apr.07

• OZ provides options

ROMs such as OpenZaurus provide kernels with different configurations of the memory ratio.

Source: tumnus Last Updated: 2003.Oct.09

How do I tell how long my Zaurus has been running?

• Run 'uptime'
  

If you launch the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_terminal.png and run the Unix command "uptime", it will show you how long the Zaurus has been running - that is, unsuspended (like you'd see on a Linux laptop). Unfortunately, this is not the same as the uptime on a desktop - the amount of since the system was last rebooted.

Last updated: 2002.Apr.01

• Run 'last'
  

If you launch the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_terminal.png and run the Unix command "last", it will show you a log of what users have recently logged into your Zaurus (e.g., over a network connection) as well as when the system was rebooted. Unfortunately, since the time and date is not set the very first time the Zaurus is booted (or booted after flashing the ROM), the first reboot date will be inaccurate.

Source: Brian J. Fox
Last updated: 2002.Apr.01

Are any Linux-style logs stored on the Zaurus?

• You can activate /var/log/messages
  

From the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/icon_terminal.png , issue the command "/etc/rc.d/init.d/syslog start", and system messages will go into the file /var/log/messages.

Be sure to turn this off when you're done, because logs can consume lots of storage space! Just issue: "/etc/rc.d/init.d/syslog stop".

Source: Doug Davis
Last updated: 2002.Apr.24

What shell does/can the Zaurus use?

• BASH
  

...

Last updated: 2002.Apr.06

How can I enable/disable servers and daemons?

• Use Server Manager
  

This application lets you turn on and off telnet, the SSH server, and the Boa web server, if you want to.

Source: Benjamin Meyer
Last updated: 2002.Apr.22

Can I use AT or CRON to wake the Zaurus up?

• Use uschedule
  

...

Last updated: 2002.Apr.07

What's the DIAG MENU?

• Some undocumented Sharp booting sequence
  

See the thread here.

Source: Chris Clark

• Quick shortcut to the Cxx0 DIAG menu
  

Be careful in the DIAG menu as you can quite easily total your nice Zaurus. First of all make sure the back cover is unlocked and not present, the battery is removed and there's no AC power then wait 5 seconds. Then, while in this stripped down state, open up the display fully and support it with your left hand, then with your right hand place your first 2 fingers on D and M respectively while using your thumb underneath to help keep these buttons down and support the Z, then with your left hand insert the battery. Wait 2 seconds and the DIAG menu will come up, no need to lock the battery or press the power button! Remember to be careful, and to get out of the DIAG menu just pull the battery out, wait 5 seconds and then reassemble your Cxx0 fully.

Source: Foxdie
Last updated: 2003.Dec.17

What is the 'root' user's password?

• If you have a SL-5000D using the Sharp 1.x ROM or a SL-5500 using the Sharp 2.x ROM
  

then the root password is blank by default. You can set one in the terminal by using the 'passwd' command, but this does not affect syncing as the FTP server still accepts a blank password for the root user.

• If you have a SL-5500 using the Sharp 3.x ROM (or a derived ROM) or any later Zaurus model
  

then the root password is also blank by default, but is set to the passcode when you enter one using the Security application on your Zaurus. This does affect syncing, but you can specify the passcode in the Zaurus Manager application on your PC. It does not affect Samba, however, which still lets you in as a guest user.

Source: tumnus Last updated: 2003.Oct.31

I can only write to half of the Flash ROM on my SL-5600/SL-C7x0. Where's the other half?

• The other half of Flash ROM is used for the OS software and is not user writable.

Source: tumnus Last updated: 2003.Oct.13

How can I perform a soft reset of my Zaurus without losing any programs or saved data?

• Flick the switch on the back
  

On the back of your Zaurus in the bottom right there is a switch for unlocking the battery cover to replace the battery. If you flick this switch to the 'Replace Battery' position and back to 'Normal Operation', this will perform a soft reset. To start it up again press the On/Off button and your Zaurus will boot up. Note that any unsaved data will be lost as it is like pressing the reset button on your PC.

Source: tumnus Last updated: 2003.Oct.13

How do I change the hostname with the Sharp SL-5500 3.x ROM (including derived ROMs) or a later Zaurus model?

• Check /etc/HOSTNAME
  

The hostname is set in the file /etc/HOSTNAME. You must switch to root to edit it. To make it take effect you can either reboot or run the command:

hostname <your_new_hostname>

Source: tumnus Last updated: 2003.Oct.28

How do I reboot the Zaurus?

• There are 2 ways...
  

Sometimes, just like a PC, the Zaurus needs to be rebooted. A simple reboot of the Zaurus can solve many issues you may experience with your Zaurus. To reboot, you go into Settings, then Shutdown, and choose ?Reboot?. This is similar to a PC and it should restore many of the settings to help the system work effectively again.

Or while in the terminal, you can type in:

 shutdown -r now

(depending on which ROM you use, you may need to be root)

Souce: happy123 (copied from myzaurus.com) Last updated: 2003.Oct.31

How do I use the Backup/Restore feature?

• You can use the Backup/Restore feature to save all your applications and information and reload it later. However, this feature doesn't restore files. You should be sure to save audio, video, .DOC, .XLS, and other files before using the Backup/Restore feature.

To use the Backup/Restore feature:

Step 1: Acquire a CF or SD memory card large enough to hold the information on the Zaurus. (A memory card larger than 64Megs is recommended.)

Step 2: Click on the Setting tab and the Backup/Restore icon.

Step 3: Click the Backup or Restore radio button and then click the CF or SD memory card radio button and finally click the start button.

Restore: To Restore simply follow the same procedures in steps 1 - 3 above, but choose the restore radio button. Remember that any changes you've made between the time of the Backup and Restore will be lost.

Source: badger (copied from myzaurus.com) Last updated: 2003.Oct.31

How do I login as root?

• Open a console, su, password is either blank or the security code if you set one

Source: mailto:alberto00@myrealbox.com