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| peripherals = {{Wiimote1}} {{GCNController}} {{USBKeyboard}} {{FrontSD}} {{USBMSD}} {{USBGecko}}

| peripherals = {{Wiimote1}} {{GCNController}} {{USBKeyboard}} {{FrontSD}} {{USBMSD}} {{USBGecko}}

}}

}}

'''Wii-Linux''' is a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux Linux] kernel and related GNU userspace utilities to the Nintendo Wii video game console. Many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution distributions] of GNU/Linux are available for the Nintendo Wii. All current distributions are based on [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/FAQ#What_is_this_project_all_about.3F GC-Linux]. Wii-Linux distributions can be loaded through the [[Twilight Hack]], [[mini]] ([[bootmii]], for Wi-Fi support) or the [[Homebrew Channel]].

'''Wii-Linux''' is a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux Linux] kernel and related GNU userspace utilities to the Nintendo Wii video game console. Many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution distributions] of GNU/Linux are available for the Nintendo Wii. All current distributions use a version of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel gc-linux kernel], a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel Linux kernel] that was ported by the [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Main_Page GC-Linux project].

The Linux 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. Actual hardware support depends on the drivers installed on the root partition.

Wii-Linux may be loaded through the [[Twilight Hack]], [[mini]] ([[bootmii]], for Wi-Fi support) or the [[Homebrew Channel]].

A GUI (X.org server) is available, but is not optimized for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10-foot_user_interface "10-foot user interface"]. A Wii Remote may be used as a pointing device with the X.org server, but manual configuration is likely needed.

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. Other versions run under [[mini]] (which stands for '''M'''INI '''I'''s '''N'''ot '''I'''OS), the alternative operating system written by [[Team Twiizers]]. The IOS GC-Linux based kernels can be loaded through the [[Homebrew Channel]] or the [[Twilight Hack]].

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]].

The MINI GC-Linux based kernels can be loaded through [[bootmii]]. The latest version of GC-Linux is the '''MI'''NI '''Ke'''rnal '''P'''review '''5''' ([http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive#.27Mini.27_Kernel_Preview_Five_.28aka_MIKE_p5.29 MIKEp5]]), which has an IOS and MINI version available.  

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].

MINI has some advantages and limitations over IOS. The biggest advantage when running Linux on MINI 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].

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)

Kernels that run on MINI must be loaded through [[bootmii]], either via the BootMii GUI or through the file (/bootmii/ppcboot.elf on the front SD Card) for access to the special features.

The latest version of GC-Linux is MIKEp5 [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive#.27Mini.27_Kernel_Preview_Five_.28aka_MIKE_p5.29 which stands for '''MI'''NI '''Ke'''rnal '''P'''review '''5''']]). MIKEp5 an IOS and MINI version available.

 

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!!)

 

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.

== Hardware Required ==

== Hardware Required ==