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Run Debian on N900 or Nokia Internet Tablets

by | Wednesday, 23rd Dec 2009 | 3 Comments | Share

Debian

Debian

Maemo OS is built mostly on Debian. Hence, it is quite possible to run Debian on Maemo based devices. Here’s how:

Prerequisites :

  • The Bundyo-Benson-Build – download here.
  • 1.3 GB free on one of your memory cards (this includes the built-in 2GB on the N810). After installation, it goes down to 1 GB.
  • Internet connection on your phone.

Instructions :

  • Open Application Manager.
  • Install the easy-deb-chroot package you’ve just downloaded.
  • Click on the Debian chroot icon and type in the following code –  apt-get install localepurge; localepurge
  • Run the Debian Image Installer from your Extras menu.
  • The actual image file will start downloading.
  • Installation will begin automatically
  • Reboot your phone when you get the congratulation message.

That’s all there is to it. It’s quite easy to follow if you keep the following warnings in mind:

  • DO NOT fall short on memory space. 1.3 GB is a bare minimum. Keep more space free if you can.
  • This is Debian that you are running on a Mobile device. It’s expected of it to under-perform. Some apps like iceweasel lag a lot.

Tested on : N900, N810, N800

Problems : Don’t try it directly on OS2008. Upgrade or downgrade to a different OS first and then install debian.

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Author:

Arnaw is an undergraduate who is really into hacking and modding cell phones. For him, nothing gets better than an S60 and a chance to ruin it.

Arnaw Kumar has written

The author of this post can be contacted at arnaw@techie-buzz.com

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  1. maemo on January 30th, 2010 at 3:02 pm #

    This isn't working for me. I have installed easy-deb-root from app manager and that app is working for me.

  2. Bizarius on October 30th, 2010 at 11:06 pm #

    Big thanx for this wonderful tutorial, worked perfectly. What kind of apps will this run, any? Or only .deb files? Do I need an extraction app similar to win-zip? Thanx again.