The $8 Linux Computer (thelittleengineerthatcould.blogspot.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a $8 Linux computer, specifically the Ox64, which features a RISC-V processor with three cores. The author details the process of getting the device up and running, including overcoming hurdles such as programming it via UART and resolving issues with the flashing tool. The device has limitations, including non-functional ethernet, wifi, and SD-card at the time of writing. The author aims to run Linux on the device, which presents challenges due to the mix of RV64 and RV32 cores.

Main themes

• RISC-V and Linux
• Heterogeneous Cores
• IoT and AIoT
• Zigbee and WiFi
• Real-time Processing
• Operating System Design
• Device Drivers and Firmware
• Low-Power Hardware
• IoT Protocols and Standards
• Linux Innovation and Limitations

What commenters say

• Linux can support multiple instruction sets and heterogeneous cores, but it may require special handling and driver support.
• The Ox64's mix of RV64 and RV32 cores is well-suited for applications that require a combination of high-performance and real-time processing.
• Zigbee is a more resilient and power-efficient protocol than WiFi, making it a better choice for certain IoT applications.
• Linux may not be the best choice for all IoT applications, and other operating systems like Zephyr or FreeRTOS may be more suitable for certain use cases.
• The ability to run Linux on cheap, low-power hardware is a significant advantage for certain applications.
• The Ox64's NPU and support for protocols like Zigbee make it a promising platform for AIoT applications.
• The device's limitations, including non-functional ethernet and wifi, may be significant drawbacks for some users.
• The use of loadable kernel drivers and firmware can help to support heterogeneous cores and accelerators in Linux.
• Some commenters believe that Linux is not driving innovation in OS design, while others argue that it has made significant contributions in this area.