FAQ

LinuxLink Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if LinuxLink supports my processor?
   LinuxLink subscriptions are available for over 50 processors from leading semiconductor manufacturers and the list is rapidly growing. Register free-of-charge to browse LinuxLink and see the various components available for each processor. Processor support is expanding every day, so please let us know if you don’t see your processor.
2. What maintenance and support options are provided with a LinuxLink subscription?
   LinuxLink subscriptions entitle you to receive continuous updates to the reference Linux distribution, cross-compiled software components, Developer Exchange resources and cross-development tools. The Developer Exchange provides a wealth of information about hardware-specific and general Linux development, and supports an active community of embedded Linux experts with whom you can share questions, tips and embedded expertise. Your LinuxLink subscription also provides access to an online bug-tracking system that makes it easy for you to report any problems with the LinuxLink infrastructure to receive prompt attention from TimeSys.
3. How does LinuxLink differ from free Open Source code?
   LinuxLink enables embedded development by providing a starting point with ready-to-use components and a reference distribution for your target processor. LinuxLink eliminates the upfront searching, gathering, building and testing that is required to get Open Source Linux from the community running on your board, saving weeks or months of development effort. LinuxLink also provides the binaries and source for the components, patches and a cross-development environment, making it easy to rebuild a distribution to customize it for your target platform.
4. How does LinuxLink differ from Linux solutions available from other vendors?
   Continuously updated LinuxLink gives you control over your custom design, at a fraction of the price of commercial Linux distributions. LinuxLink eliminates dependencies imposed by Linux vendors by giving you the freedom to choose and incorporate the latest feature sets and semiconductor-developed optimizations into your target platform.

   LinuxLink hosts the broadest set of packages in the industry. Hundreds of cross-compiled user space packages increase your design options and functionality. The Developer Exchange community support model gives you direct access to industry experts and eliminates the waiting and bottlenecks of traditional support models.

   LinuxLink provides the latest Linux from semiconductor manufacturers, TimeSys and the Open Source community, optimized and tested for specific target processors. This includes default kernel settings and toolchain options. Each reference distribution includes default RFS packages appropriate for the processor and reference board. LinuxLink validates the reference distribution on the reference board and provides documentation to assist your development efforts.

   LinuxLink supports you through all stages of development. You get a starting point from which to begin custom Linux development that provides a higher level of confidence and saves time. LinuxLink also provides technical information and channels to share information and get help on Linux development issues and challenges throughout your development cycle.

5. How is the LinuxLink product delivered?
   LinuxLink is delivered as a Web-based subscription service, accessed through the Developer Exchange which provides information, help and educational forums to support embedded Linux developers. LinuxLink is powered by the TimeSys Network, a robust infrastructure and systems delivering ongoing updates to software components, information and customized alerts to notify you of changes of interest. Whether you are actively engaged in a project or interested in staying-up-to-date with changes in the Open Source community, LinuxLink provides value over the life of your subscription.
6. What happens when my subscription expires?
   LinuxLink is offered in a variety of subscription options designed to give you the greatest flexibility and can be easily renewed for up to one year. Each subscriber receives renewal reminders as the subscription expiration date approaches, so that subscriptions can be easily renewed to avoid any service disruption. To renew your subscription, please contact sales at sales@ac6-linux.com, 01-41-16-80-10 from France or +33-(0)-141-168-010.
7. Do I need to upgrade to the Developer Suite in order to use LinuxLink?
   No. Every LinuxLink subscription includes command-line compilers, application and kernel debuggers and powerful platform development tools. The Developer Suite is an optional upgrade to a LinuxLink subscription and includes a set of desktop IDE and online tools to better manage custom Linux development.
8. How do I subscribe to LinuxLink?
   LinuxLink provides flexible options that allow you to choose the target processor, subscription length, and appropriate level of access for development teams. Optional upgrades give you the freedom to customize your subscription without paying for functionality or access that you don’t need. To get started immediately, contact TimeSys Sales at sales@ac6-linux.com, 01-41-16-80-10 from France or +33-(0)-141-168-010.
9. With so much activity in the Open Source community, how will I know when updates and new components are available through LinuxLink?
   Through the Developer Exchange, customized alerts are issued to keep you informed of changes in areas of specific interest to you. A site-wide search capability is also available to query for updates or archived information. Ongoing updates to the software component repository, documentation, support and help channels are highlighted on the Developer Exchange or through LinuxLink announcements.
10. How often will updates be posted?
    Updates will be posted as soon as they become available to deliver the greatest value to our subscribers. With access to immediate updates throughout your subscription, you no longer have to wait for a commercial Linux distribution’s next release cycle to implement patches, new features or packages.
11. What role do partners and semiconductor manufacturers play in LinuxLink?
    Through the TimeSys OnBoard program, leading semiconductor manufacturers actively collaborate with TimeSys to deliver the latest Linux for new and existing processors, which is then made commercially available through LinuxLink. For example, TimeSys recently announced LinuxLink subscriptions incorporating the latest Linux optimizations developed by Freescale for the MCF547x and MCF 548x device families. The LinuxLink subscriptions offer commercially-supported Linux solutions for developers who are rolling their own Linux using ColdFire processors.