[coreboot] How to get started - new system?

[Peter Stuge]

Hi Cuneyt,

Cuneyt M wrote:
> I am looking to learn more about coreboot and start from somewhere.

Welcome!


> Is there any netbook (Intel Atom based or other) or nettop (like
> Asus eePC Box or any other that can fit at the back of an LCD screen)
> that You can advise; compatible with coreboot - tried and tested ?

No netbooks.

There is the PC Engines ALIX.1 boards which has a case with VESA
mounts: http://pcengines.ch/alix1d.htm
The case: http://pcengines.ch/box1c.htm


There is also the ThinCan series of hardware by Artec Group, a company
in Estonia, also Geode LX based like the PC Engines ALIX.

http://www.artecgroup.com/thincan

This hardware is well supported by coreboot, and Artec Group
engineers work actively with the coreboot community.

Both systems are Geode LX based and work both with coreboot v2 and v3.

v2 is the main codebase being worked on at this time, v3 was started
a few years ago, implemented for Geode LX, but doesn't support other
hardware. Many of the smart features and improvements made in v3 are
actively being brought back into v2.


> I have a few VIA C7 based systems ( 
> http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Barebone/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=2436 
> ) not sure about their compatibility.
> I haven't check the mainboard but i presume the BIOS is soldered.

Please keep in mind that when working at the firmware level such as
with coreboot, it is neccessary to have very complete specifications
of the hardware.

The web page for this barebone product lists two possible mainboards,
and which one you have could be important for the firmware. There is
a chance that it is not at all important, but you would have to test
to find out.

That said, C7+CN700+VT8237 is supported by coreboot on several
mainboards already, so this is a fairly good target. I would
recommend starting off the epia-cn code that is in coreboot if
working with this Gigabyte board.


//Peter