Each single board computer has its own advantages and disadvantages, and when it comes to choosing an operating system, you’ve got even more features and capabilities to take into account. If you’ve done some research and think Linux might be the right OS for the job, there are a few things you’ll want to look for in your SBC before fully committing.
First off, if you want to use Linux as an OS, it’s good to ensure your SBC is compatible with open source software. Open source compatibility will make your life easier in several ways. First, you’ll have access to valuable part documentation you can use for driver development. It’s also much more convenient to have the driver source code as opposed to “binary blobs,” which aren’t nearly as helpful.
An added bonus of having an SBC compatible with open source software is inclusion into the software community; you can work with community members to problem solve, get new ideas, and get more done with your development in general.
Finally, when your SBC is compatible with open source software, updates get pushed to the mainline kernel, which helps guarantee future board support as the kernel updates. You won’t have to worry about outdated software.
The next item to check off the list is making sure your hardware includes a memory management unit, also known as an MMU. An MMU primarily performs the task of translating virtual memory addresses into physical ones, and it is often essential if you want to run Linux as an OS. It is possible to compile a Linux kernel without an MMU, but it is a pretty rare configuration, and some programs will refuse to even run without one.
After that, it’s time to look into the board support package (BSP). Usually the board vendor produces the BSP, although that isn’t strictly the case – at times, it comes from the community. A BSP gives you a quick start to getting the board up and running with a compatible kernel, and it also provides you with the drivers you need for a number of peripherals. Note that you can work without a BSP, but it requires quite a bit more effort on your part.
And finally, you’ll want to check out the available support from major Linux distributions. In particular, look for wide access to pre-built software and communities for troubleshooting – both will save you a lot of time and a headache or two.
You’ve got a wealth of options for Linux on SBCs. Because Linux offers high-performance with low price and low power, it is typically the most desired OS for embedded computers. As you’ve probably already guessed, the key for running Linux is determining how the SBC of your choice enables the community and how the community in turn supports the SBC. Once you know you’re good to go in that area, it’s time to start putting your SBC through its paces.