We Love Linux Linux brings plenty of advantages to the embedded platform.
Common knowledge suggests the main benefits of the Linux OS in the desktop and server markets are the free and open source aspects, but Linux is also strongly positioned in the embedded computer market. The reasons for Linux adoption in embedded applications are vast, but the stability, scalability, and versatility of Linux is why embeddedTS preloads it on most all our products.
Linux’s stability in an embedded device arises from its open source roots as well as from its robust architecture. The visibility of open source code lends to the stability of Linux, with experts around the globe working to improve the kernel and squash any bugs that arise quickly. The kernel architecture is designed so that user and services code is separate from operating system code, keeping memory space and kernel resources separate. This is a robust design since a crash in any one application will not bring down the entire system, allowing graceful recovery of applications while system critical functions are maintained.
Linux is very scalable, from large supercomputers with seemingly unlimited resources, to tiny embedded boards with minimal resources, and everything in between. It’s amazing how efficient and customizable the Linux kernel is to run on nearly anything with a processor, memory, and a little flash storage. Not only that, but Linux can run on multiple CPU architectures, including Arm®-based architectures and X86. This allows the embedded developer to take full advantage of a vast library of powerful tools, while developing applications that scale to the situation or can be deployed on a variety of hardware.
If ever there was a versatile Swiss army knife of the software world, Linux has got to be it. It comes complete with drivers and software stacks to drive networks, USB ports, serial ports, displays, sensors, printers, and much more. Linux distributions typically provide a massive library of more than 20k programs, ready to be installed with a single command.
Another significant benefit that comes with Linux is the strong community backing. Linux Users Groups are readily available to help you with your questions or help support you with any issues that may arise. There is also a very deep pool of Linux talent for hire should you need a dedicated resource.
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Excellently Blended. Hardware and software engineered to work together
embeddedTS embedded computers have been carefully engineered to provide customers with not only robust hardware, but also optimized software to go along with it. Our engineers are experts in optimizing an OS for the embedded world, and our preloaded OS includes low-level kernel modifications, driver development, distribution packaging, and example code for full featured support of the hardware all with no additional cost.
Learn more about our preloaded software
Full Package Deal. Resources to get your product to market quickly
We pride ourselves on offering a long term, complete solution with preloaded software and freely available resources so that you can concentrate on developing quickly. Most all of our embedded computers come preloaded with Linux and development tools that you can utilize directly on the board itself. Example code, distribution tarballs, and Linux kernel source are available for download from our FTP and Git repositories. Friendly getting started guides are also available for many of our products.
For example, check out the resources available for the TS-7970
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