Chapter 2
Installing the Operating System
In This Chapter
Getting to know Linux
Obtaining your Linux distribution
Preparing your microSD card
Preparing the onboard eMMC
The BeagleBone is a tiny computer with all the features of today’s computers, which ultimately means that it also needs an operating system (OS). Because BeagleBone is an open-hardware project, it runs on Linux — an open-source OS. Using free software makes using the board less expensive and creates the perfect tool to use to learn programming.
As with any other computer, you can use a BeagleBone to store files, surf the web, install applications, and do pretty much all the everyday stuff that you’re used to doing. The real advantage of your BeagleBone over a typical computer, however, is that the BeagleBone has input and output pins that bridge the gap between the realms of computing and electronics. With a BeagleBone, you can create and control interesting electronic projects with a very high degree of complexity. After all, the foundation of your project is a computer. Also, because the BeagleBone is a low-cost ...
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