Talk:FAQ

From iPodLinux

The FAQ page is outdated and does not answer many frequent questions yet. Eventually we want this fixed. Until then, let's collect the things that need answering here:

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Let's start a list of items we need to answer on the FAQ:

How do I install both iPodLinux and Rockbox (A: 1. you need a WinPod, not a MacPod, 2. use Loader 2, see instructions there)
When podzilla starts, it shows a message Unable to connect to MPD (A: need to install mpdd or something as well, see MPD)
What can iPodLinux do that Apple Firmware can't? What does it have that Apple Firmware doesn't?
point out that this is first and foremost a linux ported to the ipod. the fact that it can play songs is a feature, but not the main goal
make it clear that music playing is not expected to work too well on some ipod models and/or pz2 + mpd. if you want good music support, either use the apple or rockbox software, use the old pz0's integrated player or participate in improving the support in pz2's mpd code (code might be copied from rockbox, there's a lot of code sharing happening)
Q: why would i want to install ipodlinux, i.e. what do i gain from it? Various answers:
- for the fun of using linux; if you know it - otherwise it's not fun :)
- some games (iboy, mame, doom) - but those require some extra work to get installed. the forums help, probably.
- more sound formats supported (although sound is kind of flaky with the new developments and new models (see Project Status) - check out rockbox if you need good sound support and are not happy with apple's.
- video playing on older ipod models (somewhat limited, though - only uncompressed video streams, and it's a bit of work to create such videos)
how large should i make my ext2 (linux) partition?
how do i update pozzilla, kernel, etc? A: use the installer2 or look for the "nightly builds" and copy them over manually, renaming the downloaded files to "podzilla" etc. to replace the old ones. May need to make sure that pozilla has the "x" flag set, e.g. by adding "chmod +x /sbin/podzilla" to the /etc/rc file.
How do I copy files onto the ext2 (Linux) partition, I am using Windows? A: See Accessing_ext2
how do i copy my music to the ipod? A: by rebooting into apple os and using disk mode, then itunes, or use Rockbox instead if you want to avoid the itunes db.
if i have messed up my partitions or if the iopd misbehaves in other ways - may i erase all partitions on the ipod or won't it boot then any more? A: while you'll remove the ipod's ability to boot into the "normal" apple software, it still has basic software in its Flash ROM, which can't be erased accidentally, not even by a complete wipe of the hard disk (do not confuse the Flash ROM with the Flash memory in Nano models). This basic software contains the diagnostic software and a emergency disk mode. So, if your ipod won't function any more, you can also get it into disk mode to access its disk again and re-install Apple's normal software.
What is the Flash ROM? A: It's memory in the iPod that holds Apple's bootstrap loader, diagnostic software and some other basic functionality. This kind of memory, being ROM practically, can't be modified accidentally. So, however you mess with your iPod, you have no reason to be afraid you could disable its ability to function. The only known way to make your iPod disfunctional is when you interrupt the Flash ROM update by resetting the iPod while it shows a Apple icon and a progress bar below it (which takes place when you install Apple's software anew and then reboot the iPod for the first time).
Is the Nano's Flash memory equal to Flash ROM? A: No, the Flash memory is practically a hard disk - you can access its contents when you plug your iPod into your PC, while the Flash ROM is not accessible from the PC, but only from software running on the iPod, similar to the RAM in the iPod.
What does the "x" mean in the podzilla's file browser? A: "x" marks executable files
Where is the /bin directory? A: You're probably using Windows, which can't show you the ext2 partition contents added by the installation process. See Accessing ext2 to learn how to access these Linux files and directories. One of them is the /bin directory.

--Tempel

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