LOP (Linux on Performa) Mini HOWTO
08/07-01


Introduction
This Mini HOWTO will explain the process for installing Linux on nubus-system without running on the top of mach kernel.


History
Linux is the OS for the new generation. Because its free and stable, getting it installed on your system is everyone's dream.
The linux on nu-bus system (ex. Mac Performa 6200) history started with MkLinux which runs on top of Mach Kernel.
That why it runs very slow. With my own experience; I only get 30 bogomips with MkLinux but with Linux as a primary kernel
gives me 50.25 bogomips on Performa 6200 75Mhz.


Getting started
1. Decide which linux distro you would like to run.
To see the complete list on supported distro visit http://nubus-pmac.sourceforge.net
After you have decided, download the distro's cd image and nubus kernel with installer.


2. Burning the cdimage

2.1 Burning on Mac OS
I will not explain the process for MAC. You can find a lot of helps on the web. You can try"Toast" if you have got a cd-writer on your Mac.

2.2 Burning on Windows
Burning cdimage (HFS) on windows is possible but some images are packed with "bin". I have tried to unpack it on windows but it was un-usual.
The way you should do is to get a Mac emulator for Windows and Nero Burning Rom.
I will explain how you can get LinuxPPC_2000_install.img.bin burned on Windows with nero burning rom;

2.2.1 Download and install BasiliskII in your Windows (You must find a mac rom for it).

2.2.2 Setup your BasiliskII to support your cdrom-device (this is for booting MacOS, so, you need a mac os cd).
Create 2 diskimages, it should be 200 MB on size each. Add those two hardisk images in the configurator.

2.2.3 Boot your emulator. Mac OS will now ask you if you would like to format the drives. Just say "yes".
Shutdown the Mac Os (you will now be in Windows).

2.2.4 Use HFVExplorer to mount the first hd-image and copy LinuxPPC_2000_install.img.bin on it.

2.2.5 Restart your emulator. In Mac OS, mount the LinuxPPC_2000.img.bin, copy all the contains to the second hd-image
(that you created in 2.2.2). Shutdown again.

2.2.6 Load nero burning rom and select "Burn Image", select the secord hd-image. In Foreign Image Settings, set : Type of Image to "HFS".
Burn Away.


3. Loading the Linux installer on Mac
Assume that you have MkLiux Booter on your mac; copy the Kernel+installer to the extensions folder and rename it to "Mach Kernel".
Edit lilo.conf, reboot and Select Mklinx when the Booter has loaded.


4. Running Linux
After the installation you must boot your Mac OS and you must get the nubus-kernel and replace it
(the kernel can be downloaded at http://nubus-pmac.sourceforge.net).


5. More help
Help can be found at the mailing-list at nubus kernel official site.


6. Credits
Linus Torvalds - Linux creator
Mr. Oe - Working hard to have the linux working on nubus system


Written by: Alexander Johansen (alexander@johansen.as)