NSLU2
What a cool tech toy! Its supposed to be a NAS unit. I never would have bought one for that because I have my own server. I don't need extra USB storage. But then I learned a few things:
- its from Linksys, makers of the highly-hackable WRT54G router.
- it runs linux
- people have hacked it to do cool stuff
- it goes on sale for < $50
I decided right then..I had to have one. So I bought it the very next day. Unfortunately it was near Christmas and I was really busy so it sat there unused for a while.
Un-slinging the box
The main thing you have to do is make the NSLU2 boot from an attached device. That device will contain a more robust linux distribution, which enables you to do more things. Fortunately, the built-in GUI from Linksys gives you the ability to update the firmware.
- Visit the NSLU2-Linux page and find a suitable replacement firmware. There are several options to choose from:
- UnSlung - modified version of the original Linksys firmware
- Debian/NSLU2- a standard linux distro for the ixp4xx processor
- SlugOS/LE - Little-Endian firmware image for the NSLU2
- OpenSlug - Big-Endian firmware image based on OpenEmbedded
- Follow the directions to replace the firmware in the NSLU2. (Note: follow them very carefully–each distribution has specific rules of when and how you need to reboot your device).
After that, you can login and begin customizing your slug. I turned mine into a tiny asterisk box.
More to follow…
