### Index ###

!! What is it?
(http://www.nycwireless.net/pebble/  Pebble Linux) is a small distribution based on [Debian] stable. 
The main difference between it and a minimal [Debian] installation is that it's designed to work from read-only media such as [CompactFlash Flash Ram] and it's focused on wireless networking from the start.
The file system has been reworked to allow it to run on various embedded style devices but it will still run as a ''normal system'' and in fact a low-end pentium with a small hard drive is suitable, if that is all you have.

!! The hardsell
As of July 2004, a search of this wiki returns only one node using it, NodeGES.
(/wiki/?GlennMcKechnie I) can speak with authority for that node :-) and can report that PebbleLinux performs as well as its parent distribution.

If anyone is looking for a dedicated linux wireless solution, regardless of whether you own a (http://www.soekris.com/ Soekris) boards, (http://www.the-labs.com/Stylistic/1000.html  Stylstic 1000) or other embedded device, (http://www.nycwireless.net/pebble/  Pebble Linux) is a strong contender.

!!! Included packages
While NodeGES doesn't use NoCatAuth, it is included with the distribution. The MadWiFi drivers are also there along with HostAP, in fact the current (http://www.nycwireless.net/pebble/pebble.README README) shows the following packages...
++++
	Based on Debian GNU/Linux 3.0r1 (Woody)
	Linux Kernel 2.4.26 - with Crypto modules
	HostAP -  0.1.3 stable and utils and hostapd
	MadWiFi CVS version from 04/20/2004
	Prism54 1.1 stable
	bridge-tools
	djbdns caching dns server
	elvis (tiny vi)
	nano  (tiny pico)
	gnupg
	iptables 1.2.6a
	lynx
	wget
	lsof
	host (DNS lookups, using instead of nslookup or dig)
	lilo
	NoCatAuth, running as non-root user, post 0.81 nightly
	ntpdate
	openSSH server 3.4p1-1.woody.2 patched
	openSSL 0.9.6c patched with security fixes backported by Debian
	pcmcia-cs (kernel module pcmcia)
	Perl 5.6.1
	ppp
	pppoe
	rsync
	tcpdump
	ISC dhcpd and dhclient
	zebra 0.92a-5 (BGP, OSPF, RIP Routing Daemon)
++++
!!! Additional packages
Being based on a well supported distribution, packages can be added or removed using [LinuxCommandHowTo apt-get], the only limitation may be your available file system space.
If  necessary, selected packages may be built on another Debian stable system for transfer to the router.

!! Installation
Installation is different to the usual method.
You will need an existing Linux installation to perform the install, either your machine or someone elses (clues follow, if that hint isn't obvious enough).
Pebble comes packaged as a ''near'' working image. (ie:- a base system that's compressed into a (http://catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/T/tarball.html tarball)) which then needs to be unpacked onto the target drive. Some minimal configuration then remains to make the new drive bootable, after that YMMV depending on the (/wiki/?OldHardwareDatabase#pcmcia_cardbus_cards PCMCIA cards) used. ((/wiki/?Senao-SL2511CD Veritechs) work __straight out of the box__, no doubt other Prism2 cards will as well.)
The full installation details are in the current (http://www.nycwireless.net/pebble/pebble.README README)

!! Installation help
As with any installation difficulties may be encountered but help is available from the (http://www.nycwireless.net/wireless_mailinglist.html pebble mailing list) (or (/users/?graybeard privately) for Melbourne Wireless node owners).

!! Summary
In summary, don't dismiss Pebble Linux as being a niche distribution, instead view it as a small sized (low bloat) wireless distribution that needs minimum configuration to get started. After installation it can become as big as you want!
For the installation and subsequent configuration, consider the ''learning curve'' as being valuable and useful experience. (The installation uses a universally accepted method of ''on the fly'' transfers - no need for (http://www.symantec.com/ghost/ Norton Ghost))