Hi guys, I've seen that some clever chaps have linux running on rooted primes and this got me thinking whether I could use the prime for web development .
I do this at the moment in a virtual mac on my windows pc but if I could get mysql and php running in a linux but of prime , then surely i could load a wordpress blog onto it and tweak around things before ftping upto my actual site ?
Is this likely to be possible ?
Hm, maybe read about chrooting Ubuntu? That would be probably easier for that kind of work. I myself prefer to keep everything on FTP (even test versions of sites) so I don't have to install anything on my computer / tablet.
Give or take what is in the market, you need to setup a Debian or Ubuntu chroot and run the usual stuff using an X11/VNC bit. The Android browsers don't have the tools (e.g. anything like Firebug or Dragonfly).
Other wise it works fine for web development.
I was just wondering. I know that Eclipse is the way to go, at least per the Android SDK website. But, I was curious what OS do most of you use? Windows or Linux? I'm currently setting up a Linux box and was going to use that to start learning Android development. I'm getting bored of doing .NET development at work and want to learn Android programming in my spare time (of what I have) and possibly to start developing apps.
What are some of the pros and cons of developing between the two OSes?
Thanks!
I stopped using Winblows when i randomly lost the ability to SBF with it.
Go Linux and never look back.
besides, virtualbox runs windows under linux better than windows runs by itself.
I used windows because it was my main OS and I used Ubuntu studio for audio recording. Windows has a lot of good tools available..like 5:1 with Linux.... Linux is good because you can Dev from source better/easier.
Now I main Ubuntu because I can play wow on it now...
Tapin' the Talk on the xSquared
Cheapxj said:
I stopped using Winblows when i randomly lost the ability to SBF with it.
Go Linux and never look back.
besides, virtualbox runs windows under linux better than windows runs by itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to run Linux all the time, then when my kids got older and wanted to play various educational games from the library, I had to go to Winblows.
I do like Win 7 and now, with the kids tapped into technology at school, it's almost a given that I have to have Windows at home.
But, on my other machine (it's a p4 2ghz - ouch), I'm installing Linux and wanting to do some work on that machine so I don't have to dual-boot between Windows and Linux. Plus, I have WAY too many games (like Skyrim, Fallout, etc) on my Windows PC that I can't run Windows in a virtual machine, even though that machine is a quad-core with 8gbs of RAM and a high-end video card.
Anyways, as long as I can also SBF from Linux (which I googled and found out I can), it sounds like I'm going in the right direction in regards to using Linux for my programming Android apps.
Arch Linux, though I don't really do Android development, mostly because of the webapps I'm working on.
Gentoo/Funtoo are quite nice as well.
Sent from my MB870 using Tapatalk
I've been doing everything with Linux since I first installed Red Hat 5.2 back in '98. Today, I run either Ubuntu, for whom I developed and bug tracked, and Debian, because I'm still a purist at heart..
Sent from my Motorola Android Device using Tapatalk.
Anyone try out the Ubuntu Installer on the Play Store with the TFP( link below ) I wanna give it a go but was wondering what other peoples experience with it is first. I saw there is a way to run Ubuntu nativly on our device, but it seems like it may be a bit 'new' ( as in driver support etc... ) which I'd be ok with, but the dual boot process seems like a pain to have to change the boot image everytime you want to use it...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ubuntuinstallpaid&feature=more_from_developer
RubenRybnik said:
Anyone try out the Ubuntu Installer on the Play Store with the TFP( link below ) I wanna give it a go but was wondering what other peoples experience with it is first. I saw there is a way to run Ubuntu nativly on our device, but it seems like it may be a bit 'new' ( as in driver support etc... ) which I'd be ok with, but the dual boot process seems like a pain to have to change the boot image everytime you want to use it...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ubuntuinstallpaid&feature=more_from_developer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Yes, I have been messing wth it since I got my Prime a few months ago (running Linux on it was the reason I bought in the first place). Like you, the native stuff seems a little too "fresh" and the risk of a brick a bit too much.
Anyway, the Linux Installers Zac is doing can work well on the Prime. There is an issue with the Ubuntu 12.04 Unity at present which I have not been able to figure out as I can't deal with Unity for longer than bout 60 seconds before reaching for Xfce anyway.
I have had good results using the Ubuntu 12.04 image and installing Xfce. The VNC client you choose makes a huge difference. I have found Jump Desktop by far the best (middle and right mouse buttons, scroll wheel, dock keyboard all work great) and it is quite close to using it natively.
The real downer with the chroot methods is there does not appear to be any way to do it except by running the GUI/X as root while in Ubuntu. Not really a workable option for any long term use. This is down to how Android handles permissions and the use of TCP/UDP ports. If you try to run the VNC server as anything other than root you just get a permission failure. I have not been able to figure out a way around this yet.
Worth the download to try it out.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
I'd like to ask a serious question here.. and I'm not trying to put down Ubuntu or anything - if you're into Linux, it's a good choice...
But..
*Why* would someone want to take an Android tablet and install an OS that's not really tablet friendly on it? What's the benefits?
Unless you plan to keep it in the dock all the time - then why not just buy a netbook?
What am I missing here?
You don't have to take two devices with you if you have Ubuntu installed on Transformer. If you had a tablet AND a netbook the weight would be doubled... Netbooks also have poor screens and probably less battery life.
TheWerewolf said:
I'd like to ask a serious question here.. and I'm not trying to put down Ubuntu or anything - if you're into Linux, it's a good choice...
But..
*Why* would someone want to take an Android tablet and install an OS that's not really tablet friendly on it? What's the benefits?
Unless you plan to keep it in the dock all the time - then why not just buy a netbook?
What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Versatility, choice, and because we can
Android is great for some things but a lot of what I do would be much better done in a Linux environment. The Prime has replaced my laptop, and having a dual boot option would make it pretty much the perfect piece of kit for me.
I didnt realise this was available !
I will be giving it a go as soon as i get home!!
Would prefer a native install, but this looks pretty easy and quick to do, so i'll give it a shot.
And another nice thing we are not able to use because of missing root rights
I really hope somebody finds and publishes a new way to gain root. (without unlocking)
Running Linux on it was also a reason for my to chose the Prime.
Great comments all... Personally I want Linux on the Prime for some of the reasons above ( portability, not having to carry two machines, "because we can" lol ) however I mostly want it because it should offer a much better development environment on the Prime which would be great. Still haven't gotten it up and running yet, but bought everything I need, should be able to play today
will installing ubuntu thru this app break future ota updates? I do have root, but i only use it for a working ipsec vpn right now
Anyone having problems unzipping the beta Ubuntu 12.04 Full V1 download to get the image file? I've tried various unzip tools, and multiple download attempts, and it always comes up corrupt. The 12.04 small works fairly well.
nonpaq said:
Anyone having problems unzipping the beta Ubuntu 12.04 Full V1 download to get the image file? I've tried various unzip tools, and multiple download attempts, and it always comes up corrupt. The 12.04 small works fairly well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't tried that one yet, gonna start with 10.10 large, then move to 12.04 after...
Do you have to unlock prime to use this? I have root, but it says something about needing kernel or something on the app.
justPorter said:
will installing ubuntu thru this app break future ota updates? I do have root, but i only use it for a working ipsec vpn right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it shouldn't have any affect. It does not touch anything outside of /data/local (or wherever you install the ubuntu.img file - could be your sdcard) - no system files are changed.
---------- Post added at 04:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------
nonpaq said:
Anyone having problems unzipping the beta Ubuntu 12.04 Full V1 download to get the image file? I've tried various unzip tools, and multiple download attempts, and it always comes up corrupt. The 12.04 small works fairly well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there was an issue with the Full V1 file. The dev re-uploaded today so you might try it again. However, the default Unity interface on Full does not seem to work on the Prime for whatever reason (Tegra 3 differences it has been said) so it might not be worth the effort until that is fixed. Firefox also does not work (I have never got Firefox of Chrome to work on any of these builds)
The older Ubuntu version (10.10 was it?) works fine, except Firefox just crashes, and Midori is the only currently working browser
---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:24 PM ----------
kidio007 said:
Do you have to unlock prime to use this? I have root, but it says something about needing kernel or something on the app.
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Click to collapse
Your kernel needs to support the loop device which is the way that the ubuntu.img file gets "mounted" on the system. I dont recall if the stock kernel supports this but I would be surprised if it doesn't
Stock kernel apparently has the loop device, as I have been able to run Ubuntu on stock (rooted of course).
Thanks for info on new upload of 12.04 full. Didnt you say you installed Xfce and 12.04 worked well?
nonpaq said:
Stock kernel apparently has the loop device, as I have been able to run Ubuntu on stock (rooted of course).
Thanks for info on new upload of 12.04 full. Didnt you say you installed Xfce and 12.04 worked well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Xfce I find works well. Just did not know how much effort you might be willing to put into it
Bit of advice - don't use "apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" to change to Xfce. That wants to install a ton of stuff that is not needed. Just try installing the the meta package "xfce4" and then add the other bits you want. I then removed the Unity desktop and it booted straight in to Xfce.
Edit: Actually, in this 12.04 image doing "apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" does not appear to be as bad. A previous image wanted to download 750Mb of stuff!
Edit2: Oh, and to get xfce loading instead of Unity, you need to edit /root/.vnx/xstartup and change the last line:
/etc/X11/Xsession
to be
startxfce4
..then restart the linux chroot by typing exit
barryflanagan said:
Yes, Xfce I find works well. Just did not know how much effort you might be willing to put into it
Bit of advice - don't use "apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" to change to Xfce. That wants to install a ton of stuff that is not needed. Just try installing the the meta package "xfce4" and then add the other bits you want. I then removed the Unity desktop and it booted straight in to Xfce.
Edit: Actually, in this 12.04 image doing "apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" does not appear to be as bad. A previous image wanted to download 750Mb of stuff!
Edit2: Oh, and to get xfce loading instead of Unity, you need to edit /root/.vnx/xstartup and change the last line:
/etc/X11/Xsession
to be
startxfce4
..then restart the linux chroot by typing exit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info I have the 10.10 full image up and running and Firefox does seem to be working fine for me "out of the box". Think I'm going to try the 12 image and Xfce next.
Anyone have any optimization tips and tricks to get this running as fast as possible? I'm trying the Jump VNC client, seems pretty nice, just need to get some kind of gesture to hide the tablets nav bar as it covers the screen.
Hey Barryflanagan, I'm playing with Zac's images and I am wondering if you got ubuntu to read any external storage media plugged into the dock : like sdcard or usb external drive. I don't know if it's because of the dock proper, or ubuntu, or chroot, but I got the prime on ubuntu to read microsd on the prime proper but nothing routing through the dock..
As to why I'd want both linux and android, most of the time I'm fine with android, sometimes with the dock sometimes without. I don't have a laptop anymore and 2 weeks ago I happened to get to my first need that android couldn't handle: I have to trim and clean 10 000+ files of music library with many copies and variations by file names, lengths, quality, and tags, and to pick the good tracks manually, and nothing on the android's ecosystem is as good or useful as mediamonkey. I've had to borrow a laptop from somebody to get the job done. I'm pretty sure in linux I could have found a working application-- if the usb hard drive for those 70gigs could have been recognized through the dock. Anyway -- also, some more intensive work like the occasional flyer or poster I design for friends.
By the way, have anyone tried to get Wine working on the chroot ubuntu? Maybe with kernel overclocked to 1.8 it might work?
Sent from my LG-P500 using my Dog
Is it possible to run Ubuntu offline, like without VNC, or do you need internet to use it? I followed the instructions on the app and connected with vnc. I would rather use splashtop and connect to my desktop if ubuntu cant be run offline.
kidio007 said:
Is it possible to run Ubuntu offline, like without VNC, or do you need internet to use it? I followed the instructions on the app and connected with vnc. I would rather use splashtop and connect to my desktop if ubuntu cant be run offline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused as to what you're asking. Technically, Ubuntu is running offline. You're only connecting to the GUI over VNC. You do not need internet.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
Parastie said:
I'm confused as to what you're asking. Technically, Ubuntu is running offline. You're only connecting to the GUI over VNC. You do not need internet.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
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Click to collapse
Ah, I see. But what use has ubuntu without the GUI? I'm obviously new to this, but I assumed that you could use the ubuntu OS offline. Like open and use programs like open office. How would you be using ubuntu if you were at a place without internet?
So I am basically trying to figure out the pro/con of either method. I have no background in linux but am trying to get my new lapdock ready as a lightweight netbook. Basic browsing, email, watch movies, use openoffice, etc etc.
What is the "best" method? Do they accomplish different end goals? Is one easier/harder to implement and maintain?
Like I said, no background in linux (yet) so I am just getting into the game here and trying to feel my way around.
Thanks
the best is Webtop2SD with Webtop scripts and XFCE4 (or Gnome) cause it's real Ubuntu.
Honestly, if you have no experience in Linux, you will probably have nothing but headaches. Linux itself isn't too bad to learn on a PC, but throw in broken dependencies and other oddities of running it on a mobile platform...it's like trial by fire.
Your best bet is like ovitz says...go with webtop2SD, follow instructions. Personally I've given up on all the other fancy window managers...I simply installed gnome-panel (disabling awn, of course) and go with a mini-gnome setup that way.
Play around after you get it set up and want to learn, but I would suggest you familiarize yourself with Linux on a PC first...or not because it may be a let down to see how poorly it performs on the phone compared to a PC.
Having said that, I've been able to use the modified webtop as a decent laptop replacement for the work I do, since most of my work is on remote servers. Putty has been very nice to me.
thanks for the input, luckily I'm about 80% of the way to function webtop2sd I think.
I don't mind the technical difficulties, the journey of getting it setup and learning that is half the fun usually.
And like said, I only really want it for basic stuff, nothing too heavy. I have the big work laptop for that.
Webtop2sd takes the existing Moto product, "unlocks it" [fixes all the .deb junk and gives it some disk space].
"Full Debian" lets you chroot out of the Moto prison into a standard Linux.
The first choice is better if you just want to add some apps to what Moto provides. The second is best if you want to play God with your system.
If you are not a serious Linux user, the 2SD approach is best.
If you like to build your own Linux system, then the latter is the way to go.
exwannabe said:
Webtop2sd takes the existing Moto product, "unlocks it" [fixes all the .deb junk and gives it some disk space].
"Full Debian" lets you chroot out of the Moto prison into a standard Linux.
The first choice is better if you just want to add some apps to what Moto provides. The second is best if you want to play God with your system.
If you are not a serious Linux user, the 2SD approach is best.
If you like to build your own Linux system, then the latter is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation, that was basically what I was looking for.
Is it possible to run the "full debian" method within/alongside the webtop2sd variant? To try out both worlds?
Having not ever used chroot, as I understand it, I would basically be running a "full" version of linux within the moto environment, like opening a citrix window and getting into a complete windows setup (roughly speaking)?
Hello I have just installed Ubuntu Touch on my Nexus 5 via MultiRom
I wonder what is the extension of ubuntu touch apps and if the same apps of desktop ubuntu are compatible with ubuntu touch.
:laugh::laugh:
Ubuntu (Touch) apps are so-called click packages with the "*.click" extension. They are designed to run in a confined environment, which means that they do not have permissions to do everything they want. For example they can only access specific parts of the file system. The goal is to use them on all variants of Ubuntu, on the phone, on the tablet and on the desktop. That will make software updates much easier.
While you can run click packages on the Ubuntu desktop, it is (at least currently) not possible to run every desktop app on your phone. The only ones which might work are those without a graphical user interface as there is no X server (the software which renders application windows) for Mir (the display server) yet. It might be possible in the future though.