Palm OS is a proprietary mobile operating system developed by Palm. It is used in a wide range of devices from PDAs and Pocket PCs to cell phones and Internet tablets. Palm OS devices all feature the capability to quickly interface with a desktop computer through a serial or USB port. Once connected, users can transfer complete binary Linux distributions directly to the device. Users can then bootload the distribution to overwrite the basic Palm OS with a new mobile Linux operating system. Running Linux on your Palm OS device should take no more than an hour to set up.
Instructions
1. Direct your Web browser to the Palm Linux download page (see Resources).
2. Download the latest revision of the Palm Linux binary for your Palm OS device. Check the legend to determine compatibility with your device.
3. Connect your Palm OS device to your computer using a USB or serial cable. After your computer has detected your Palm OS device, Palm Desktop should automatically open. If you do not have Palm Desktop installed to your computer, you can download it free at the Palm Desktop download page (see Resources).
4. Select "Quick Install" from the Palm Desktop main menu. A file browsing window appears. Use this window to locate the .PRC Linux binary you downloaded in step 2. Click "OK" when you have selected the appropriate file. Palm Desktop loads the Linux PRC file into its sync database.
5. Press the "Menu" button on your Palm OS device. Select "Applications," then select "HotSync." The Palm OS device should automatically attempt to sync with the Palm Desktop software. When the HotSync process is complete, your Palm OS device should have Linux installed. A notification window may appear the first time you run Linux on your Palm device. Simply click "Boot Linux" to begin running Linux.
Tags: Palm device, your Palm device, your Palm, Palm Desktop, device should
