Installing Linux on PCG03

[futeko.com]

It is possible to install Linux on the Z3735F based PCG03, however the process is tricky and there are problems with audio (no audio) and wi-fi (no wifi, at least in Minit 17.1). So this precludes Kodibuntu or OpenElec for the time being.

The Z3735F is still very new and these problems will be resolved shortly.

In the meantime running Linux is an interesting challenge and has at least one very useful function, the ability to fully backup your Windows installation.

All credit for this goes to the CNXSoft website.

See here: http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/02/13/how-to-install-ubuntu-15-04-on-mele-pcg03-intel-mini-pc/

[daveydguk]

What does linux give you over windows for straight htpc and basic functionality.
Maybe for tinkers and fiddlers of device ?

For me as media player it's spot on with kodi 14. 2.

Openlec. Always uses xbmc kodi as a down stream to develope.

Great job they perform. But if you have windows 8.1 why

[futeko.com]

What does linux give you over windows for straight htpc and basic functionality.
Maybe for tinkers and fiddlers of device ?

For me as media player it's spot on with kodi 14. 2.

Openlec. Always uses xbmc kodi as a down stream to develope.

Great job they perform. But if you have windows 8.1 why

Apart from anything else, Linux is free and all apps are free. You could turn the PCG03 into a decent home PC suitable for office apps, photo editing, technical drawing, music editing. etc. etc. all completely for free. Linux is also less resource hungry than Windows and runs faster. It also has a lot of dev tools for those who do want to tinker.

As a disclaimer, the futeko business runs entirely using Linux PCs..! So I am biased.

When Openelec can be installed on these boxes it will turn the PCG03 into a fast pure Kodi box where all add-ons work perfectly. Better if all you want is a media box, nothing else.

[futeko.com]

Good video showing Debian 8.0 testing running on a PCG03. Note the same lack of sound and wifi as we found running Mint 17.1.

I read somewhere that the latest Linux Kernel (3.19) includes the correct drivers for the PCG03 hardware, so when distributions start using this (none do at the moment - even unstable alpha/betas) all problems will be resolved.

[daveydguk]

http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=219381