Gentoox

Gentoox

File:Gentoox.jpg
Developer	Thomas Pedley
OS family	Linux / Gentoo / Unix-like
Source model	Free and open source software
Latest release	varies: Pro: v5.1, 28-Jan-2009 Home: v7.1, 28-Jan-2009 MCE: v1.3, 31-Jul-2004 Loader: v6.07, 01-Jun-2004 Resctoox: v6.0, 28-Jan-2009 Sparkle: v4.0, 28-Jan-2009
Available in	English
Package manager	magic
Platforms	Xbox
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux)
License	Various
Official website	http://gentoox.shallax.com/

Gentoox is an operating system based on Gentoo Linux, created especially for the Xbox by Thomas Pedley. Gentoox requires a modchip or a software mod to run, as it is not authorized Microsoft software.

Versions

Gentoox comes in three versions:

• Home - Beginner version and has lots of included software already compiled.
• Pro - Barebones version, for people that want to customize their install for their needs.
• MCE - Gentoox Media Center Edition.

Gentoox also has two tools for performing rescues and recovery:

• Sparkle - The filesystem rescuer.
• Resctoox - The Gentoox Linux rescuer.

Gentoox uses a modified version of the Xbox-Linux BIOS known as Cromwell. Gentoox Loader has advanced features such as the ability to flash the Xbox's BIOS via HTTP and even the ability to boot a Linux kernel via FTP. Gentoox compiles all new software, optimizing it for the Xbox, while this increases the speed at which programs run, it means that installing new software can take large amounts of time (e.g. compiling open office takes around 24 hours).

Installation

The installation can be done two ways: via an installation disc or over ftp, provided that the user can get an FTP daemon running on their Xbox. Gentoox can be installed in three different manners. The first involves creating a loopback installation on the E:\ partition on the Xbox's hard drive, the second is similar to the first except it utilizes the F:\ partition. Finally, Gentoox may format the entire F:\ partition and use it as a native Linux partition. Gentoox can then either be run from a Dashboard, such as XBMC, or boot off a modified version of the legal Cromwell BIOS known as Gentoox Loader.