[WIP] [DEV] [HOWTO] Ubuntu on Nook Color! UPDATE 1/5/11 - Nook Color Android Development

DISCLAIMER: You know the risks, bricking, breaking etc. I'm not, nor is anyone else responsible if something goes wrong with your device, especially should it turn into a cave troll and bludgeon someone to death.
You will have to be rooted for this to work.
Update 1/5/11
Changed the install and loader scripts re-compressed and uploaded, new download link. Stream lined the installation process (removed 5 steps)
Update 1/4/11
reflect changes to ubuntu.sh and bootubuntu scripts and streamlining the process. Added screenshots
_________________________
I was over at nexusonehacks.net and looking at the ubuntu on nexus one hack and was thinking that this could be ported to the nook color. The idea is to run ubuntu from an img on the sd card.
The following is a modified version of the "how to" orginally posted here
http://nexusonehacks.net/nexus-one-hacks/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-your-nexus-oneandroid/
Credits
The guys at NexusOneHacks
xda user munday who has modified the scripts to work for the nook color
Devs at XDA Developer for the Ubuntu ARM image for HTC HD2
Saurik (Jay Freeman) for the Debian G1 script, which was hacked for Ubuntu on Nexus One! and then re-hacked for the Nook Color by munday
Here we go:
1) Go download the ubuntu file here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=67BU4Y3T
2) Extract the contents using 7zip http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
3) Copy the extracted folder "ubuntu" to the root of your SD card
4) Unmount the nook from your pc, go into the app NookColor Tools (if you don't have it download it here courtesy of Ben 74 and click All Settings->Development then uncheck Auto Mount. This will prevent the SD card from being mounted automatically when plugged into the PC
5) Plug the Nook back into your pc and open a command line then navigate to your android sdk folder ie C:\android-sdk or wherever you have it and type
Code:
adb devices
Hit enter and make sure that the nook color comes up (should be the SN of your Nook)
Note: This can also be done from terminal emulator instead of adb...but it is kind of a pain
6) Now we want to go into the command line on the nook so type
Code:
adb shell
Hit enter and this should bring up a "#" sign.
7) Type
Code:
su
hit enter (I do this just as a force of habit)
8) Now we navigate to the ubuntu folder we just copied to our sd card by entering
Code:
cd /sdcard/ubuntu
hit enter. To confirm you are where you want to be you can type
Code:
ls
and it should list the contents of the ubuntu folder.
9) Run the setup script ubuntu.sh by entering the following:
Code:
sh ./ubuntu.sh
hit enter
10) Now type
Code:
bootubuntu
and hit enter
11) So now we have ubuntu command line up and running which should look like:
Code:
[email protected]:/#
We will need to get some packages to run a gui and then connect to it via VNC client. So we need to update a few things first. Type:
Code:
apt-get update
then
Code:
apt-get install tightvncserver
now we need the gui elements so enter this:
Code:
apt-get install lxde
12) Type the following:
Code:
export USER=root
vncserver -geometry 1024×600
this sets the resolution...you can change it to play around, but the native resolution for the nook is 1024x600. This is also where you will set the password for your vnc server...make sure to remember it
13) Next, we are going to add the following to /root/.vnc/xstartup file using cat command: (hit enter after each line and ignore the fact that it looks like it does it twice)
Code:
cat > /root/.vnc/xstartup
#!/bin/sh
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
xsetroot -solid grey
icewm &
lxsession
After hitting enter after the last line press "Ctrl+D" twice then press enter
14) We need the vnc server to start every time we start ubuntu, type this:
Code:
cat > front
export USER=root
cd /
rm -r -f tmp
mkdir tmp
cd /
vncserver -geometry 1024×600
Same as before, hit enter after each line then after hitting enter for the last line press "Ctrl+D" twice then press enter.
15) Enter this
Code:
cat front /root/.bashrc > temp
Then
Code:
cp temp /root/.bashrc
16) Now on the nook open up your vnc viewer app (android vnc viewer or PocketCloud...or whatever you use)
Use the following settings:
Host Address: 127.0.0.1 (some don't require this)
Password: the password you set up in step 16
Port: 5901
Save and then click connect and you should be up and running on ubuntu! To leave ubuntu type exit from adb. This should kill ubuntu. Exit adb and then you can disconnect the nook from your pc.
To start ubuntu from the nook open up a terminal emulater and type:
Code:
bootubuntu
Hit enter, this should bring up the [email protected], hhen press "Home" key and open up your vnc app. Now you are ready to rock your Linux tablet!
You could also use gscript lite to automate the process of starting ubuntu so you don't have to type it in the terminal everytime. You can get gscript lite from the market or download the file I have attached.
It does seem a little laggy..just a little...for now anyway
To exit ubuntu: Disconnect the vnc client then hold the "Home" key (I use button savior which brings up a nice little task manager) and click the Terminal emulator when it pops up under running tasks. Once you are back in the terminal you can type:
Code:
exit
to shut down ubuntu.
Enjoy and make sure you thank munday and the guys at nexusonehacks and all the devs who helped make it possible.
-devastator
EDIT:
I noticed that after rebooting the nook would hang at the "Future of reading" screen....if this happens turn the device off remove the sd card the turn the nook back on. It should boot fine. After it's finished you can return the sd card and mount it. This is strange and I'm looking into it. I'm not sure if this is limited to me or if it is universal to all nooks. It also still fails at shutting ubuntu down for some reason. I'm still looking into this.g into this.

---

I got it going, just needed a few "busybox"-es here and there . It needs some work, right now to get X you have to use VNC.
It's sluggish but a bit more work might just yield something a bit more usable. I'll play more tomorrow night.
Here's my scripts:
ubuntu.sh
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /system
busybox modprobe ext2
rm -f /data/local/bin/fsrw
rm -f /data/local/bin/bootubuntu
rm -f /data/local/bin/unionfs
rm -f /data/local/bin/installer.sh
rm -f /data/local/bin/mountonly
mkdir /data/local/mnt
#busybox clear
rm /system/bin/fsrw
rm /system/bin/bootubuntu
rm /system/bin/unionfs
rm -/system/bin/mountonly
busybox cp -f fsrw /system/bin
busybox cp -f bootubuntu /system/bin
busybox cp -f unionfs /system/bin
busybox cp -f mountonly /system/bin
cd /sdcard/ubuntu
busybox chmod 4777 *
cd /system/bin/
busybox chmod 4777 *
cd /
#busybox clear
echo " "
echo "Ubuntu Chroot Bootloader v0.1"
echo "Ubuntu Bootloader is now installed!"
echo "This process does NOT damage Android OS!"
echo " "
echo "Original Installer by Charan Singh"
echo "Modified for Ubuntu Chroot by Max Lee at NexusOneHacks.net"
echo " "
echo "To enter the Debian Linux console just type 'bootubuntu'"
bootubuntu
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /system
export kit=/sdcard/ubuntu
export bin=/system/bin
export mnt=/data/local/mnt
export PATH=$bin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:/bin:$PATH
export TERM=linux
export HOME=/root
busybox mknod /dev/loop2 b 7 0
mount -o loop,noatime -t ext2 $kit/ubuntu.img $mnt
mount -t devpts devpts $mnt/dev/pts
mount -t proc proc $mnt/proc
mount -t sysfs sysfs $mnt/sys
busybox sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_forward=1
echo "Setting /etc/resolv.conf to Google Open DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4"
echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" > $mnt/etc/resolv.conf
echo "nameserver 8.8.4.4" >> $mnt/etc/resolv.conf
echo "Setting localhost on /etc/hosts "
echo "127.0.0.1 localhost" > $mnt/etc/hosts
echo "READY TO ROCK AND ROLL BABY! "
echo "Brought to you by NexusOneHacks.net and the open source community! "
echo " "
busybox chroot $mnt /bin/bash
#After exit command is executed clear it all up
echo " "
echo "Shutting down Ubuntu"
umount $mnt/dev/pts
umount $mnt/proc
umount $mnt/sys
umount $mnt
Then just followed the instructions at nexusonehacks.
note: to run bootubuntu i had to use sh and the use the full path:
Code:
# sh /system/bin/bootubuntu
other note: I was using adb not a term app on the nook.
Obligatory video
I can't post links yet so check: youtube.com/watch?v=TnXfZ6aagn8 for a really boring video
EDIT: switched the names, DOH!

---

I also had to use sh and the full path also. Thanks for the update on the script...gonna try it in the morning (it's 2am here) will also see if I can help to get it running smoother. What class SD card are you using? I imagine a class 4 or higher would yeild better results as far as responsiveness goes.

---

The sd is a class 2 that came in one of my dev phones. I'll pick up a faster one tomorrow after work and test it out.
It's just about 3am here now, we must be in the same time zone.
I'm going to bed now, but first here's a modded version of the script you had originally posted that also works now.
bootubuntu
Code:
#!/bin/sh
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /system
export kit=/sdcard/ubuntu
export bin=/system/bin
busybox [ ! -d /data/local/ubuntu ] && mkdir /data/local/ubuntu
export mnt=/data/local/ubuntu
export PATH=$bin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:/bin:$PATH
export TERM=linux
export HOME=/root
busybox mknod /dev/loop1 b 7 0
busybox losetup /dev/block/loop1 /sdcard/ubuntu/ubuntu.img
mount -t ext2 /dev/block/loop1 /data/local/ubuntu
#mount -o loop,noatime -t ext2 $kit/ubuntu.img $mnt
mount -t devpts devpts $mnt/dev/pts
mount -t proc proc $mnt/proc
mount -t sysfs sysfs $mnt/sys
busybox sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_forward=1
echo "Setting /etc/resolv.conf to Google Open DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4"
echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" > $mnt/etc/resolv.conf
echo "nameserver 8.8.4.4" >> $mnt/etc/resolv.conf
echo "Setting localhost on /etc/hosts "
echo "127.0.0.1 localhost" > $mnt/etc/hosts
echo "READY TO ROCK AND ROLL BABY! "
echo "Brought to you by NexusOneHacks.net and the open source community! "
echo " "
busybox chroot $mnt /bin/bash
#After exit command is executed clear it all up
echo " "
echo "Shutting down Ubuntu"
umount $mnt/dev/pts
umount $mnt/proc
umount $mnt/sys
umount $mnt
busybox losetup -d /dev/loop1
#unregistering the loopback device just seems to die. need to fix or remove.
I'll look at the N1 formus tomorrow too and see if they have made progress in getting X to run fast or without need for VNC.

---

Nice work, I am addicted in seeing the crazy crap people are doing everyday.

---

Couldn't sleep so I'm messing around with it now...I'm using a class 4 and have it up and running. It does seem to be a little laggy, but I don't have a class 2 to compare it to. Let me know what you find out, I'll keep playing with it also to see if I can get it to be more responsive...but we are definately on our way to having a great little linux tablet in addition to android. You should also be able to use this for other builds of linux also by just changing out the .img file to a flavor of your choosing. I'm excited
I have also updated the OP with the how to and credits. Really appreciate your help munday.

---

I noticed that after rebooting the nook would hang at the "Future of reading" screen....if this happens turn the device off remove the sd card the turn the nook back on. It should boot fine. After it's finished you can return the sd card and mount it. This is strange and I'm looking into it. I'm not sure if this is limited to me or if it is universal to all nooks.
Edit:
Running into some strange occurrences...it appears that when you type exit from the terminal to kill ubuntu, I believe ubuntu stays running...anyway, I'm going to bed and will work on it more tomorrow.

---

devastatorx said:
You should also be able to use this for other builds of linux also by just changing out the .img file to a flavor of your choosing. I'm excited
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any increased risks with changing the version you use?

---

Well, you will want to make sure that the build supports ARM based devices.

---

munday said:
Then just followed the instructions at nexusonehacks.
note: to run bootubuntu i had to use sh and the use the full path:
Code:
# sh /system/bin/bootubuntu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fixed this, the scripts were backwards, I have updated the OP to reflect the changes and bootubuntu now works

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devastatorx said:
I fixed this, the scripts were backwards, I have updated the OP to reflect the changes and bootubuntu now works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet, i can't wait to get home to play more!!!

---

I've tried running ubuntu.sh from the terminal emulator (With su) and from ADB, and have not had success with either.
The readout is:
Code:
': File existste '/system/bin
': File existste '/system/bin
': File existste '/system/bin
: not found
: not found
cd: can't cd to /sdcard/ubuntu
: not found
: No such file or directory
: not found
cd: can't cd to /system/bin
: not found
: No such file or directory
: not found
cd: can't cd to /
: not found
: not found
Ubuntu Chroot Bootloader v0.1
Ubuntu Bootloader is now installed!
etc., etc.
Is there a problem with how I copied the script? I assume the first part about the file existing is due to this being the third or fourth time I've tried running the script (Unsuccessfully), but I've no idea how to interpret the rest.
Thanks

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munday said:
sweet, i can't wait to get home to play more!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sent you a message
Link3737 said:
I've tried running ubuntu.sh from the terminal emulator (With su) and from ADB, and have not had success with either.
The readout is:
Code:
': File existste '/system/bin
': File existste '/system/bin
': File existste '/system/bin
: not found
: not found
cd: can't cd to /sdcard/ubuntu
: not found
: No such file or directory
: not found
cd: can't cd to /system/bin
: not found
: No such file or directory
: not found
cd: can't cd to /
: not found
: not found
Ubuntu Chroot Bootloader v0.1
Ubuntu Bootloader is now installed!
etc., etc.
Is there a problem with how I copied the script? I assume the first part about the file existing is due to this being the third or fourth time I've tried running the script (Unsuccessfully), but I've no idea how to interpret the rest.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using these, just unrar and then copy them in your ubuntu folder, if it asks to overwrite just click yes...also you have autmounting of the sd card turnned off in nook color tools settings right?

---

Yeah, it must have been an error on my end. Using the updated scripts you posted worked like a charm.
Thanks!

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Link3737 said:
Yeah, it must have been an error on my end. Using the updated scripts you posted worked like a charm.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear!
I'm currently working on making this a port to the SD card so that with the sd card in it boots into ubuntu from power off, and with the sd card out it boots to android then you replace the sd and use it for storage like normal. It will also run a lot snappier....well that's the idea anyway.

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devastatorx said:
Good to hear!
I'm currently working on making this a port to the SD card so that with the sd card in it boots into android from power off, and with the sd card out it boots to android then you replace the sd and use it for storage like normal. It will also run a lot snappier....well that's the idea anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Booting from SD in the same fashion as Nookie Froyo? That sounds like it would give a huge performance boost over the current method, I can't wait to see what you come up with.

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This should be acheivable using the method mentioned in this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=873243 thanks to clockworx.
Currently looking into this

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devastatorx said:
This should be acheivable using the method mentioned in this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=873243 thanks to clockworx.
Currently looking into this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the exact same thing, the nook seems to like booting from sd, so we should be able to set up the partitions like the foryo sd and edit the init.rc and env.txt to boot ubuntu instead of android. Just a theory though. It's my plan for tonight anyway.

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munday said:
I was thinking the exact same thing, the nook seems to like booting from sd, so we should be able to set up the partitions like the foryo sd and edit the init.rc and env.txt to boot ubuntu instead of android. Just a theory though. It's my plan for tonight anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also stumbled across this: http://androix.org/ Which talks about a native android xserver which does a way with the vnc aspect altogether. I downloaded and attempted to install but I get the error "There is a problem parsing the package" and I haven't had any luck plus there isn't much documentation.
Let me know how it goes munday, I'll be working on the same thing later (have to take the fiance out for dinner)

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question
I was just curious, after installing ubuntu can we install flash as we would had we booted linux from netbook?