This week Adafruit has introduced its own custom created Linux distro for Raspberry Pi in the form of the new “Occidentalis v0.1”, and is derived from Raspbian Wheezy.
The name has come from a play on the Latin term for black raspberry “Rubus occidentalis”, and the Linux distro has been created with maximum hackability in mind.
Features of Occidentalis v0.1
Occidentalis v0.1 includes the ability to either turn on or optimize SSHD access, Bonjour networking, ssh keygen on first boot, Realtek RTL8188CUS WiFi support, and other tools to help provide easier hacking. Adafruit explains:
“This is our first distro, Occidentalis v0.1. Rubus occidentalis is the black raspberry. It is derived from Raspbian Wheezy (July 15th). We have made a few key changes to make it more hardware-hacker friendly!”
In addition to these features, Occidentalis v0.1 also includes support for I2C and SPI protocols, which are essential for connecting various sensors and modules to the Raspberry Pi. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to build custom hardware projects. The inclusion of these protocols means that users can easily interface with a wide range of devices, from temperature sensors to motor controllers, making the Raspberry Pi even more versatile.
Why Choose Occidentalis v0.1?
One of the standout features of Occidentalis v0.1 is its focus on educational use. Adafruit has designed this distro to be a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced hackers. The distro comes pre-loaded with a variety of educational tools and resources, making it easier for users to get started with their projects. For example, it includes Python libraries that simplify the process of writing code to interact with hardware components.
Moreover, the distro is optimized for performance. By stripping away unnecessary software and focusing on essential tools, Adafruit has ensured that Occidentalis v0.1 runs smoothly even on the limited hardware of the Raspberry Pi. This makes it an ideal choice for projects that require real-time processing or need to run continuously for extended periods.
Another significant advantage of Occidentalis v0.1 is its community support. Adafruit has a large and active community of makers and hackers who are always willing to share their knowledge and help others. This means that if you run into any issues or need advice on your project, you can easily find support and resources online.
For more information on the new Adafruit Occidentalis v0.1 Linux Distro jump over to the Adafruit website.
Source: Hot Hardware : Adafruit
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