FSOSS 2010 - Plug Computing Workshop (October 28, 2010)

Since I started in my program, I never missed a single FSOSS event. I can't find any reason not to join; It's cheap, I learn things that for sure won't be available anywhere else, and lastly..FREEBIES!! Of all the FSOSS events, workshops have always been what I like the most. Today I showed up for Chris Tyler's Plug Computing Workshop.

The workshop covered everything from setting up the GuruPlug to creating a personalized image server. I'm convinced on how powerful ARM PCs are, so I'm considering of getting one and probably experiment on it.

As always, workshops include Q&A part. I never had a chance to ask any question but I learned from Chris some important things to know about the GuruPlug and similar ARM based plug computers

• GuruPlugs have problems with Gigabit Ethernet (slows down for some odd reason)
  
• Overheat problems (the reason why it's got a fan in the middle)
  
• GuruPlugs consume electricity comparable to a radio clock
  

Useful Links:
PandaBoard
BeagleBoard
SheevaPlug

The day I learned about Python

Chris Tyler discussed a little bit about Python today for my classmates working on projects that include moderate to heavy scripting. I'm not really good at programming languages but I always find myself interested to learn about it.

As soon as I got home, I hurriedly turned on my PC and wrote my first Hello World in Python. Sir Chris told me last Thursday when I asked him which programming language will stand out the most in the near future, He replied... "Python".
I definitely agree to what he said; Considering some popular software embed/use Python.

Anyway I'm interested in learning more so I downloaded my copy of "Dive into Python".

Regarding the ARMv7 Project, I haven't had a time this week. I still need to catch up on my readings.

Details about the ARMv7 Project

I had a great time talking to Chris Tyler yesterday about the ARMv7 Project. He explained the tests needed for the project and briefly contrasted ARMv5 & ARMv7.

My project details include:
-Working on the cdot-beagleXM-0-3 host
-Study the make command and the gcc compiler
-Compile software under ARMv7

Just a quick info:
cdot-beagleXM-0-3 is an ARMv7 board that tests ARMv5 architecture builds. What does that mean?? I can't think of any good analogy but this.. It's like running an old PC game on a NEW computer. It will work, but without the enhanced features on.
With that said, my project will try to test if the technologies in ARMv7 provide significant performance difference against ARMv5.

BeagleBoard XM image

More About ARM and BeagleBoard
BeagleBoardXM
List of ARM processors
Supporting Architectures above armv5tel Project Page

Using Mock & Koji

After wasting 2 weeks of trying to build my own spec file from scratch, It's a pain to say that I need more time to fully understand some of the macros used in my privoxy build. privoxy's spec file although short, has lines meant for advanced builders. It's a real challenge for a noob builder like me!! :)

On the brighter side, building a spec for nled walked me through the basics I need. The "How to Create an RPM Package" and the "Maximum RPM" are both good resources.

Using Mock

The "Using Mock to test package builds" page has all the instructions and links needed for a successful mock build (In which I noticed that my build was slower compared to using rpmbuild-ba). I also followed the instructions for setting up SELinux policy for mock.

Using Koji

Using Koji in Fedora is also pretty straight forward. Setting up my certificates and uploading my build didn't take long.

Here's an image of my build status:

Lastly....

I'm putting off my tests for rpms to work on the armv7tel project. I only have a project page draft for now, but I'll make sure to document everything.

Details on my armv7tel project can be viewed here