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Update Wii Linux Continuation Project details
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'''Wii-Linux''' is a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux Linux] kernel and related [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Core_Utilities GNU userspace utilities] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii Nintendo Wii video game console]. Many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution distributions of GNU/Linux] are available for the Wii. All current distributions use a version of the "gc-linux" kernel, a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel Linux kernel] by the [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Main_Page GC-Linux project].
−Wii-Linux may be loaded through the [[Twilight Hack]], [[mini]] ([[bootmii]], for Wi-Fi support) or the [[Homebrew Channel]].+The kernel itself can communicate with nearly all Wii peripherals; Wii Remotes, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, GameCube controllers, USBGeckos and the DVD drive are supported. GameCube Memory Cards are currently unsupported. Note that actual hardware support depends on the drivers installed on the root partition.
−Some versions of the GC-Linux kernel run under [[IOS]] (Nintendo's official operating system that runs on the Wii's [[Starlet]] coprocessor), while other versions run under [[mini]] (which stands for '''M'''INI '''I'''s '''N'''ot '''I'''OS), the alternative operating system written by [[Team Twiizers]].+MINI has some advantages and limitations over IOS. The biggest advantage is access to hardware: The MINI GC-Linux kernel has access to the Wii's interal Wi-Fi, USB2.0 and the DVD drive). A full list of hardware support is available [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Wii:Hardware_Support here].+A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface GUI] is available, in the form of an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X.Org_Server X.org server]. Although it is ''not'' optimized for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10-foot_user_interface "10-foot user interface"], like that found in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Menu Wii Menu]. A Wii Remote may be used as a pointing device with the X.org server, but manual configuration is needed.+It's even possible for a Wii to powerup directly into Wii-Linux. BootMii must be installed in boot2 for this feature. To enable this, replace the file /bootmii/ppcboot.elf (on the front SD Card) with the GC-Linux kernel of your choice (Remember to back up the original ppcboot.elf somewhere!!)+
+* USB Drive (256MB will suffice if installing everything on the SD card)
== Wii-Linux FAQ ==+{{Main|Wii-Linux FAQ}}
−Frequently asked questions about different distros and even the Whiite-Linux Installer.+
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+The kernel is plain, with vanilla sources + Wii-Linux patches, so WiFi is working straight out of the box, as well as a few other things compiled into the kernel:+*NTFS support+*Full bluetooth support+*IPv6 support+*Graphics support+*Virtualization support (!!!)
−**Built in virtualizer (lguest (:P))
−I'm not completely sure when it will be released, but it might be released in anywhere from about two weeks to two months.
−Keep your eyes on [http://wiki.mystiic.org http://wiki.mystiic.org] for more information or come visit us at [irc://irc.mystiic.org irc://irc.mystiic.org]!
=== Whiite ===
−[http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux#Introduction Whiite-linux] is a simple Debian 5.0 (lenny) based Linux distribution for the Nintendo Wii.
−*Wifi, USB2.0 and DVD drive support when running with [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive MikeP5]
−*Easy wifi config tool (in /root/)
−**To run type "./whiite-ez-wifi-config
−*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/gc-linux/files/wii-linux/whiite-linux-1.10/debian-lenny-5.0%2Bwhiite-1.10.tar.bz2/download Version 1.10 (Debian Lenny 5.0) Download]
−*[http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/debian-etch-4.0%2Bwhiite-0.1.tar.bz2 Version 0.1 (Debian Etch 4.0) Download]
−*Last updated: 21 Oct 2009
*[http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Wii_Tutorial ArchWiki-WiiTutorial]+*No partitioning needed, Miight will likely use an edited version of [http://wiibrew.org/wiki/Boot_it Boot It].+ +**The ability to install a disk image directly onto a normal partition on an SD card or USB flash drive, meaning absolutely no partitioning or anything (hopefully).+**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuperTux SuperTux (game)]
−* [http://www.gc-linux.org/ GC-Linux.org]
−* [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/ The Official GC-Linux SourceForge Page]
−*[http://hbcapps.com/miight/blog Muzer's Miighty Blog]
| peripherals = {{Wiimote1}} {{GCNController}} {{USBKeyboard}} {{FrontSD}} {{USBMSD}} {{USBGecko}}
| peripherals = {{Wiimote1}} {{GCNController}} {{USBKeyboard}} {{FrontSD}} {{USBMSD}} {{USBGecko}}
}}
}}
−'''Please note:''' The current kernel builds/code patches at gc-linux.org quite dated and it seems they are no longer being actively maintained by the original authors. However, since January 2013 someone else has continued development here [https://github.com/DeltaResero/ [1]]]. Unfortunately, even this project seems to no longer be active. As such, [[Wii-Linux#Wii Linux Continuation Project|another continuation project]] has appeared that is still active as of May 31st, 2024.
−'''Wii-Linux''' or '''GC-Linux''' is a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux Linux] kernel and related [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Core_Utilities GNU userspace utilities] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii Nintendo Wii video game console]. Many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution distributions of GNU/Linux] are available for the Wii. All current distributions use a version of the "gc-linux" kernel, a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel Linux kernel] by the [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Main_Page GC-Linux project].
−Wii-Linux may be loaded through the [[Homebrew Channel]] but is recommended to be loaded through [[bootmii]]/[[Mini]] to enable Wi-Fi and USB2.0 support.
−The IOS-based kernels can be loaded through the [[Homebrew Channel]] or the [[Twilight Hack]], while the MINI-based kernel must be loaded through MINI (ie. [[bootmii]]). BootMii may be installed in [[boot2]] (ie. Wii powers up into BootMii) or IOS (load BootMii through the Homebrew Channel's menu)
+The kernel itself can communicate with nearly all Wii peripherals; Wii Remotes, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, GameCube controllers, USBGeckos and the DVD drive are supported. GameCube Memory Cards are currently unsupported.
−The latest version of GC-Linux is [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive#.27Mini.27_Kernel_Preview_Five_.28aka_MIKE_p5.29 MIKEp5] (which stands for '''MI'''NI '''Ke'''rnal '''P'''review '''5'''). The MIKEp5 kernel has an IOS and MINI version available.
+The GC-Linux kernel can run under [[IOS]], Nintendo's official operating system that runs on the Wii's [[Starlet]] coprocessor, while other versions run under the alternate operating system by [[Team Twiizers]] known as mini or "[[Mini]]" (which stands for '''M'''INI '''I'''s '''N'''ot '''I'''OS)
−MINI has some advantages over IOS: full and complete access to Wii internal hardware, such as Wi-Fi, USB2.0, the DVD Drive. See [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Wii:Hardware_Support here].
−The IOS-based kernels can be loaded through the [[Homebrew Channel]], or the [[Twilight Hack]]. But MINI-based kernels must be loaded through MINI (which means "[[BootMii]]" must be installed). BootMii can be installed in two ways. First in [[boot2]] (where the Wii powers up into BootMii) or second in IOS (where BootMii is loaded through the Homebrew Channel). Confusing, but this is current the state of Wii homebrew.
+The latest version of GC-Linux is [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive#.27Mini.27_Kernel_Preview_Five_.28aka_MIKE_p5.29 MIKEp5] (which stands for '''MI'''NI '''Ke'''rnel '''P'''review '''Five'''). The MIKEp5 kernel has an IOS and MINI version available.
== Hardware Required ==
== Hardware Required ==
−* Nintendo Wii Console ([[Homebrew Channel]]/alternate loader installed. [[bootmii]] installed in boot2 and/or ios for Wi-Fi)
+* Nintendo Wii Console ([[Homebrew Channel]] or an alternate loader installed. [[bootmii]] installed in boot2 and/or ios)
* SD Card (Will be formatted. 512MB Required. 2GB Recommended)
* SD Card (Will be formatted. 512MB Required. 2GB Recommended)
−* USB Keyboard
* USB Keyboard
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== Installing ==
== Installing ==
===Whiite-Linux Installer ===
===Whiite-Linux Installer ===
−The GC-Linux team has released a [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux-installer Simple GUI-based installer] can be used with Whiite, Bliight and XWhiite distributions. The installer can be loaded via the [[Homebrew Channel]] or [[Twilight Hack]].
+The GC-Linux team has released a [http://web.archive.org/web/20230527055421/http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux-installer Simple GUI-based installer] can be used with Whiite, Bliight and XWhiite distributions. The installer can be loaded via the [[Homebrew Channel]] or [[Twilight Hack]]. Note that these instructions are for a very old version of Debian Linux which predates the version 5.0 mentioned in here.
An ext3 filesystem is created on a removable disk (SD card or USB drive). The kernel image ELF can be loaded through [[Homebrew Channel]]. It is recommended to replace the kernel image ELF with the compatible MIKE (MIni KErnal) ELF binary. This will enable Wi-Fi and the DVD drive to be used. The latest MIKE version is currently [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive MIKEp5].
An ext3 filesystem is created on a removable disk (SD card or USB drive). The kernel image ELF can be loaded through [[Homebrew Channel]]. It is recommended to replace the kernel image ELF with the compatible MIKE (MIni KErnal) ELF binary. This will enable Wi-Fi and the DVD drive to be used. The latest MIKE version is currently [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive MIKEp5].
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Once a Wii has booted Linux, there are lot's of things for users new to Linux to do.
Once a Wii has booted Linux, there are lot's of things for users new to Linux to do.
−* A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface GUI] is available, in the form of an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X.Org_Server X.org server]. Although it is ''not'' optimized for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10-foot_user_interface "10-foot user interface"], like that found in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Menu Wii Menu]. A Wii Remote may be used as a pointing device with the X.org server, but manual configuration is needed. (See xwhiite)
−*It's possible for a Wii to powerup directly into Wii-Linux. BootMii must be installed in boot2 for this feature. To enable this, replace the file /bootmii/ppcboot.elf (on the front SD Card) with the GC-Linux kernel of your choice (Remember to back up the original ppcboot.elf somewhere!!)
== Hardware Compatibility ==
== Hardware Compatibility ==
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{{Main|Distributions of Wii-Linux}}
{{Main|Distributions of Wii-Linux}}
−Many distributions of GNU/Linux are available for the Nintendo Wii.
+Many distributions of GNU/Linux are available for the Nintendo Wii.
+=== Ubuntu 14.04.5 ===
+*Ubuntu PPC for the Wii
+*Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
+*Made By Wiibuntu
+*TERMINAL ONLY! NO DESKTOP ENVIROMENT!
+*Downloads and .tar's found [https://github.com/Wiibuntu/Ubuntu14-Wii here.]
+*Last updated: 12 March 2024
+=== Ubuntu Server 13.10 ===
+*Ubuntu PPC for the Wii
+*Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
+*Made By Wiibuntu
+*Downloads found [https://github.com/Wiibuntu/Ubuntu-13.10-Wii here.]
+*Last updated: 11 March 2024
+=== xUbuntu 9.04 ===
+*xUbuntu PPC for the Wii
+*Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
+*Made By Wiibuntu
+*xorg already installed along with xfce4
+*All repository's are set to old-releases already
+*Downloads and .tar's found [https://github.com/Wiibuntu/Xubuntu-9.04-Wii/tree/main here.]
+*Last updated: 7 February 2024
+=== Wii-Linux-NGX ===
+*Based on Debian Jessie 8.0
+*Made by [https://github.com/neagix neagix], who keeps the repository for the distribution on github
+Includes several different branches of implementations of the GNU/Linux kernel:
+*[https://github.com/neagix/linux/tree/stable-v3.x stable-v3.x], latest working v3.x kernel with most up to date upstream patches
+*[https://github.com/neagix/linux/tree/experimental-v3.x experimental-v3.x], some features might be broken (SDHC)
+*[https://github.com/neagix/linux/tree/experimental-v4.x experimental-v4.x], some features might be broken (SDHC)
+Current working features:
+*WiFi
+*Reading DVD-ROMs
+*Xorg (using the framebuffer)
+Last Update: 6 September 2017.
−=== mystiic ===
+=== Whiite ===
−[[mystiic]] is a full, precompiled fork of the whiite distro, modified heavily to run the cube driver and the OpenBox WM.
+[http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux#Introduction Whiite-linux] is a Debian 5.0 (lenny) based Linux distribution for the Nintendo Wii.
−*Wifi, USB2.0 and DVD drive support when running with [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive MikeP5]
−*Ext4 filesystem support
+*Easy Wifi configuration tool in /root/ to run type ./whiite-ez-wifi-config
−*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/gc-linux/files/wii-linux/whiite-linux-1.10/debian-lenny-5.0%2Bwhiite-1.10.tar.bz2/download Version 1.10 (Debian Lenny 5.0) Download]
−*Currently uses kernel [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive 2.6.32]
−*Written by the gc-linux team.
−*Last updated: 21 Oct 2009
−=== WiiToo! ===
=== WiiToo! ===
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*Can use all the hardware that Wii-Linux is able to use
*Can use all the hardware that Wii-Linux is able to use
* Last update: 29 October 2009
* Last update: 29 October 2009
−=== Archii ===
=== Archii ===
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*Made By TheStorm/JonimusPrime and zc00gii
*Made By TheStorm/JonimusPrime and zc00gii
*Is designed for more advanced users to create from scratch but minimal and X11 file-system tars are available
*Is designed for more advanced users to create from scratch but minimal and X11 file-system tars are available
−**The X11 tar has X.Org installed along with the OpenBox3 WM and Cwiid for Wiimote input
+**The X11 tar has X.Org installed along with the OpenBox3 WM and Cwiid for Wii Remote input
**It also includes the Opera Browser, X-Chat IRC client and Pidgin IM client
**It also includes the Opera Browser, X-Chat IRC client and Pidgin IM client
**The Minimal image is just enough to get you booted and the end user can install any packages they wish using pacman
**The Minimal image is just enough to get you booted and the end user can install any packages they wish using pacman
−*File-system tars can be found [http://jonimoose.net/archii/ here.]
−*File-system tars could be found [http://thestorm.taricorp.net/archii/tarballs/ here] (now removed from server)
*Last updated: 11 July 2009
*Last updated: 11 July 2009
−=== Miight ===
+=== XWhiite ===
−*Miight 2.0 is in private beta. It seems likely Miight will be released early 2010.
+*[[Wii Linux#Whiite|Whiite]] but with the X.Org environment successfully implemented.
−*The author says it's "designed to be a full distribution for noobs"
+*It currently uses [[Wii Linux#Kernel 2.6.27|kernel 2.6.32]].
−*It also includes some applications including Firefox.
−*Loaded like any other homebrew app
+*It uses the whiite method of installation
−*It has now been updated to v0.2
−*Miight will include the following:
+*Made by bertjan
−**An easy way to switch between TV types (require a restart though)
+*[https://mega.nz/#!O0tjXCrK!etpJQMHvTOzQtORQw_J8J1twOLXfo5O1cPQfEASLVZY v0.2 Download]
−*Last updated: 02 December 2008
−**An easy-to-use media mounter
−**A pretty screensaver
−*Muzer says he will be back online in mid-February.
+=== Wii Linux Continuation Project ===
−*Made by [[User:Muzer|Muzer]] with "contributions from many users"
+*A kernel based on [[Wii-Linux#Wii-Linux-NGX|Wii-Linux-NGX]], with upgrades and patches
−*Progress Updates: [http://hbcapps.com/miight/blog Miight Blog]. For older posts see [http://tehum.blogspot.com here] (a blog that Muzer shared with someone else)
+*Modern (2024) [https://github.com/kth5/archpower ArchPOWER]-based rootfs
+*Xorg can optionally be installed, and works properly, however does not come with the base system
+*Kernel previously updated by TheOtherOne, work continued by [[User:Techflash|Techflash]]
+*Includes a custom Linux text console based boot menu written in C to pick a distro to boot.
+*[https://wii-linux.org Website, including download links]
+*[https://github.com/Wii-Linux All code relating to the project]
+*Last updated: 6 November 2024
== External links ==
== External links ==
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hUSkOLWMZ8 video] showing '''Arch Linux on the Wii''' called, "Archii."
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hUSkOLWMZ8 video] showing '''Arch Linux on the Wii''' called, "Archii."
−* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYbQfDhGKg video] showing a playable '''pacman console game with Wiimote support'''
+* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYbQfDhGKg video] showing a playable '''pacman console game with Wii Remote support'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpDcnaeftsc video] showing '''how Wii-Linux Debian boots''', with some features and applications
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpDcnaeftsc video] showing '''how Wii-Linux Debian boots''', with some features and applications
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1UCQEMO8yc video] showing '''T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using the SD card as pivot root. X runs!'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1UCQEMO8yc video] showing '''T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using the SD card as pivot root. X runs!'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pvHvcq8qJ8 video] showing T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using a ramdisk card as pivot root. In this video '''the xserver works with a driver for Wii/GameCube and has correct colours'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pvHvcq8qJ8 video] showing T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using a ramdisk card as pivot root. In this video '''the xserver works with a driver for Wii/GameCube and has correct colours'''
−[[Category:Homebrew applications]]
[[Category:Homebrew applications]]