Debian PPC Starters Manual

2017-07-01T22:15:16Z

Jrtc27: ppc64 has never been a release architecture (though a 64-bit kernel was available)

''Get inspiration and information from '' http://www.debian.org/doc/maint-guide/
''keep this guide simple, in the form of: ''
''Title / Why would you want to do that / tasks and commands to do it''

== Introduction ==

Currently, Big Endian PowerPC architectures (powerpc/ppc64) are only classified as ports within Debian, meaning neither are an officially supported architecture. 32-bit PowerPC (powerpc) was an officially supported architecture, with a 64-bit kernel available, until the release of Debian 9 (codenamed Stretch). As a result the only way to run Debian on PowerPC is to use to either used the currently supported Debian 8 (codenamed Jessie) or the unstable branch known as Sid.

''Why would you want to contribute to Debian PowerPC'' 
:: - FREE Software and DFSF 
:: - PowerPC is a RISC architecture (more on that later) 
:: - All the existing G3, G4, and G5 Mac Machines 
:: - All the existing Freescale/NXP Boards/Amigas/etc. 
:: - Diversity, freedom, and choice 
:: - A learning opportunity for non-x86 architecture and Linux 
:: - The PowerPC Notebook Project 
:: - Saving the world! :-)

== Installation of Debian PPC/PPC64 ==

First things first: check if your computer is present in the '''supported''' list:
: https://www.debian.org/ports/powerpc/inst/install

Also make note of whether or not your system is 64-bit capable, in which case you will install the 64-bit PowerPC version of Debian.

Now that you are ready to install Debian powerpc, you still have two more questions to answer:
: Which '''Installation Media''' do you want to use?
:: '''USB stick''': Very convenient - but not really straightforward. Becomes easy when you get the hang of it.
:: '''CD''' : The easiest - if you still have some CD-R / CD-RW around, and your CD writer is still working :-)
:: '''Hard Drive (HD)''' : Cannot see any real advantage over using '''USB stick''' - but you can do this if you want to.
:: '''debootstrap''' : Very easy - almost magical - if you already have a running Debian installation on your target machine.

: Which Target '''Partitioning Scheme''' to use?
:: '''Debian alone''' on target disk - with one or several partitions - the most straightforward.
:: '''Debian sharing the disk with other OSes''' (MacOSX or others) - you will need to partition your disk, and move things around. '''Can be (is) worth it'''.
:: '''Debian alone on an external "firewire" disk''' - Haven't tested this. Could be interesting if you want to keep your internal disk as is, or if your internal disk is dead, and you do not have a replacement or you do not want to open your machine.

The rest of this section will describe an installation using a '''USB stick''', on a '''supported machine''' - in my case, a venerable G4 PowerBook Aluminum. Debian is alone on the disk. 
''(I also have an iMac G5 MacOSX / Debian stable / Debian unstable installation - where unstable was installed using debootstrap)''

=== Download ISO image ===

Normally, I would install '''Debian stable''' first, then '''upgrade to Debian unstable'''. But we are not in a normal situation anymore, so we'll install unstable directly.

For G4 and earlier (32-bits disk image):
: ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/sid/main/installer-powerpc/current/images/powerpc/netboot/mini.iso

For G5 and later (64-bits disk image):
: ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/sid/main/installer-powerpc/current/images/powerpc64/netboot/mini.iso

The one I used is from the 04/07/2017 (7th of April 2017).

=== Write ISO image to USB stick ===

If you wanted to write the boot image on '''CD-ROM''' (CD-R or CD-RW) you would use a software like <code>brasero</code>.

For the '''USB stick''', the easiest (only) way to do this is using the <code>dd</code> command (on linux or [https://langui.sh/2011/04/02/using-dd-in-os-x/ MacOSX]). 
One thing to know about the <code>dd</code> command is that you need to be '''careful''' when using it - do not use it as root - unless you know what you're doing. 
Now the thing is, we ''need'' to use it as root to write the ISO image on the stick... 

First, <code>cd</code> to the directory containing the disk image. 
Then you need to get the '''device name''' for your USB stick. Plug it in and type: 
Linux:
: <code>lsblk</code>
MacOSX:
: <code>diskutil list</code>
Or you can just list the mounted filesystems: 
: <code>df</code>
On my computer the USB stick is <code>/dev/sdb</code>. There is a partition on it, and it is mounted on <code>/dev/sdb1</code>.

Second, you need to '''unmount''' the mounted partition:
: <code>sudo umount /dev/sdb1</code>

Finally, write the image:
: <code>sudo dd if=mini.iso of=/dev/sdb</code>

=== Boot from USB Stick ===

If you were using a '''CD-ROM''', you would just boot while holding the <code>c</code> button.

To boot on the USB stick, you'll need to invoke '''Open Firmware''' (equivalent of BIOS / EFI). 
'''WARNING''': This is command line wizardry! 

Here goes:

Plug in the USB stick and then boot your computer - while pressing on the <code><Command> + <Option> + o + f</code> buttons. 
If you're not using an apple keyboard, you'll need to use <code><Windows> + <Alt> + o + f</code>. 

(if you're using a G5 machine - get earplugs or something - and '''do not do this at night in your room''' - the fans will run at maximum speed - and that's very noisy).

First you need to '''identify your USB stick''' (in Open Firmware terminology - and this depends on your computer and the USB port you're using): 
: <code>dev / ls</code>

Scroll down (<code><Space></code>) until you get something like: 
: <code>/usb@1b</code>
:: <code>/disk@1</code>

Now we know our USB stick is on <code>usb@1b</code> and is known as <code>disk@1</code>. 

We still need to find the '''alias''' of <code>usb@1b</code>: 
: <code>devalias</code>

You need to look for the usb0, usb1 etc... corresponding to <code>usb@1b</code>: 
On my computer it was <code>usb1</code>. 

Finally, '''boot''' your computer using: 
: <code>boot usb1/disk@1:2,\\yaboot</code> 
(This means we are booting on partition <code>2</code> of <code>disk@1</code> which is connected on <code>usb1</code>.) 

You're ready to start the installation if you get the '''yaboot''' prompt: 
: <code>Welcome to yaboot version 1.3.17</code>
: <code>Enter "help" to get some basic usage information</code>
: <code>boot:</code>

=== Base Installation ===

You need to be somehow familiar with the '''Debian Installer''' to consider it '''''easy'''''... 
It is not difficult, ''really'', but it might get intimidating if you're doing this for the first time... 

To cut this short:
:- plug in your '''ethernet''' cable (wireless networking will not work during installation).
:- follow the '''installer steps''' - selecting the '''default options''' (if you're going to use the full disk - no manual partitioning).

To give you a better idea, here is an overview of the '''main steps''' - with some comments where appropriate: 

Starting with the '''yaboot''' prompt, type '''expert''' or '''install''':
: <code>boot: expert</code>

You'll get to the "familiar" red / grey / blue '''Debian installer main menu''': 
: <code>Choose language</code>
: <code>Access software for a blind person using a braille display</code>
: <code>Configure the keyboard</code>
: <code>Detect network hardware</code>
: <code>Configure the network</code>
: <code>Choose a mirror of the Debian archive</code>
: <code>Download installer components</code>
: ...

All goes smoothly until you start <code>Choose a mirror of the Debian archive</code>. 
It seems the installer is still looking for <code>stretch</code> - and as you know, err, it has been ''killed''. 
So, after selecting your mirror, you'll get a '''warning''' telling you:
: <code>The specified (default) Debian version (stretch) is not available from the selected mirror. It is possible to continue and select a different release for your installation, but normally you should go back and select a different mirror that does support the correct version.</code>
: <code> Go back and try a different mirror?</code>
You should select <code>No</code> This will allow you later to choose <code>sid (unstable)</code>.

Then, after completing <code>Download installer components</code>, you get back the '''Debian installer main menu''', with some '''additional steps''' to execute:
: <code>Set up users and passwords</code>
::- disable root login (I do this for security - and use <code>sudo</code> or <code>Root Terminal</code> for administration)
: <code>configure the clock</code>
: <code>Detect disks</code>
: <code>Partition disks</code>
::- use the Guided partitioning + <code>ext3</code> filesystem (I've had issues with yaboot and <code>ext4</code>).
: <code>Install the base system</code>
::- I have used the <code>linux-image-powerpc kernel</code> + <code>targeted initrd</code>.
: <code>Configure the package manager</code>
::- do not use <code>non-free</code> and <code>contrib</code> software. We'll later use <code>contrib</code> for wireless - but in a controlled way.
: <code>Select and install software</code>
::- please do configure the <code>popularity-contest</code> package. This will '''help Debian powerpc''' by showing the community people are still using it!
::- For desktop use you'd also want to install <code>mate-desktop-environment</code> or <code>LXDE</code>; you can also install a simple Window Manager like Openbox or IceWM, but will require bigger tuning work.
: <code>Install yaboot on a hard disk</code>
: <code>Continue without a boot loader</code>
: <code>Finish the installation</code>
::- this will allow you to reboot into your new system!

=== Additional Components ===

Here are some additional components and applications to improve your Debian powerpc experience:
: '''compositing''' (buffering to improve display).
:: <code>sudo apt-get install compton</code>
:: Preferences -> Default applications for LXSession
::: Core applications -> Composite Manager: <code>compton</code>
::: Autostart -> + Add <code>compton</code>

: '''cpu frequency scaling''' (I like to keep my computer as silent as possible).
:: <code>sudo apt-get install cpufrequtils</code>
: To get list of available cpufreq governors + statistics:
:: <code>cpufreq-info</code>
: To dynamically set CPU speed at max performance:
:: <code>sudo cpufreq-set -g performance</code>
: To dynamically set CPU at half-speed:
:: <code>sudo cpufreq-set -g powersave</code>
: To dynamically set CPU in adaptive speed:
:: <code>sudo cpufreq-set -g ondemand</code>
: To set CPU at half-speed - persistent after reboot:
:: <code>sudo vi /etc/default/cpufrequtils</code>
:: <code>GOVERNOR="powersave"</code>
: To set CPU in adaptive speed - persistent after reboot:
:: <code>sudo vi /etc/default/cpufrequtils</code>
:: <code>GOVERNOR="ondemand"</code>

: links2: a '''mega-fast web browser''' (graphic and command line) - firefox ESR is already installed - but it is (much) slower.
:: <code>sudo apt-get install links2</code>

: '''wireless networking''' - you'll need to use the <code>contrib</code> repository - and download a non-free binary. Skip this if you want to keep a [[https://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines DFSG]] compliant installation.
: First remove wicd (only if you installed LXDE, Mate installs network-manager by default): wireless did not work at all with wicd for me...
:: <code>sudo apt-get autoremove wicd</code>

: Then edit apt sources.list to add <code>contrib</code>:
:: <code>sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list</code>
:: add the word <code>contrib</code> at the end of each line
:: save the file with <code>Ctrl-o</code> and exit with <code>Ctrl-x</code>
: Install the driver (b43):
:: <code>sudo apt-get update</code>
:: <code>sudo apt-get install firmware-b43-installer</code>
: Then edit back apt sources.list to remove <code>contrib</code>:
:: <code>sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list</code>
:: delete the word <code>contrib</code> at the end of each line
:: save the file with <code>Ctrl-o</code> and exit with <code>Ctrl-x</code>
:: <code>sudo apt-get update</code>
: Finally install network-manager (only in LXDE, in Mate Desktop, as said, it is already installed):
:: <code>sudo apt-get install network-manager network-manager-gnome</code>

: ''apple buttons''
: ''sound setup''
: ''gfx acceleration'' - without changing the ROM of ATI card
: ''gfx acceleration'' - changing the ROM of ATI card to use the free ROM (non-compatible with MacOS)

=== When things go wrong (and they will...) ===

A word to the wise: We're using '''unstable'''. 
It is '''''unstable'''''. 

A new installation on my PowerBook G4 Al (radeon) works just fine on first boot...Rebooting 2 / 3 times is OK too... 
''However'', at one point, the LCD '''backlight''' would get turned '''off''' when xserver starts. 
The login screen is here, but there is '''no backlight'''!

It took me some time to find the culprit: <code>pbbuttonsd</code> ( and/or <code>hdparm</code> ).

So, ''If you get the problem'', you'll need to uninstall them. This would deactivate some functionality on Apple Laptops, but at least, your system is usable. 
(You might like to do this right away if you're using a PowerBook G4 Al 15'...)

So, first, you'd want to reboot: 
: Switch to a '''Console''' screen (<code>F1</code> to <code>F6</code>):
:: <code><Ctrl> + <Option> + <F1></code>
: To be sure, you might need to do it again while holding the <code><fn></code> button:
:: <code><fn> + <Ctrl> + <Option> + <F1></code>
: Type <code><Enter></code> 3/4 time to get rid of stray characters.
: (Remember, you're still in the dark - no backlight.)
: Now, type your '''Login''' then <code><Enter></code> then '''Password''' then <code><Enter></code> and wait for a couple of seconds.
: (Again type <code><Enter></code> 3/4 time to get rid of any potential stray characters.)
: Type the command to reboot your computer:
:: <code>sudo shutdown -r now</code> (followed by <code><Enter></code>
: Enter your '''Password''' again (for sudo)

The computer should reboot now (wait for a couple of seconds again). 
If it doesn't, that means you're not made for typing in the dark... Try again, or just power off the machine by holding the power button (for a couple of seconds).

Now, when you get to the yaboot prompt, start with no graphics hardware:
: <code>boot: Linux '''nomodeset'''</code>

You'll start into an ugly and unusable login screen.

Switch now to a '''Console''' screen (<code>F1</code> to <code>F6</code>):
: <code><Ctrl> + <Option> + <F1></code>

Welcome to Debian command line OS!
(Wireless networking works).

Next remove <code>pbbuttonsd</code> and <code>hdparm</code>:
: <code>sudo apt-get purge pbbuttonsd</code>
: <code>sudo apt-get autoremove</code>

On next reboot, you'll get back your backlight!

In case something else happens, here is a list of links that can be of help: 
[https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/powerpc/ Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide (powerpc).] 
[https://wiki.debian.org/PowerPC/FAQ Debian powerpc port FAQ.] 
[https://lists.debian.org/debian-powerpc/ Debian powerpc mailing list.] 
[irc://irc.debian.org/debianppc Debian powerpc IRC channel (#debianppc) on OFTC IRC network.] 
[https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PowerPCKnownIssues Ubuntu PowerPC Known Issues.] 

== Overview of Debian Bug Submission/Testing/Integration Process ==

''Simple description (graphical diagram) of content from '' https://wiki.debian.org/HowtoUseBTS

== Installation of Development/Debugging Tools ==

''tools used for development, debugging etc... ''

== popcon: show Debian community that powerpc is still actively used! ==

''this can help bringing back Debian powerpc as a release architecture''

== Obtaining Source Code & Building From Source==

There are two methods for obtaining a package's source code (and probably more) in Debian. The first is to use apt and the second is to download the source directly from it's upstream location.

:: 1) Using apt-get source

:: 2) Downloading Source from Upstream

== Patches ==

''Making Patches, sharing and applying them''

== Packages ==

''Creating Debian packages - Conditions and rules to follow for packages to be included in Debian''

== Creating ISO Images ==

''...''

== Debugging and Profiling ==

''...''

== 64-bit / 32-bit ==

''...''

== OpenFirmware (OF) / U-Boot ==

...

== Building Your Own Custom Kernel ==

''...''

== Altivec - PowerPC Secret Weapon ==

''...''

== Drivers ==

''...''

Power Progress Community Projects Wiki - User contributions [en]

Debian PPC Starters Manual