Linux on the Road

Abstract

Mobile computer devices (laptops, PDAs, mobile cell phones, digital cameras, calculators, wearables, ...) are different from desktop/tower computers. They use certain hardware such as PCMCIA cards, infrared and BlueTooth ports, batteries, docking stations. 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 between laptops and desktops 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, PDA and mobile phone related HOWTOs available already, this guide contains a concise survey of documents related to mobile computer devices. Also Linux features, such as installation methods for laptops and PDAs 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.