[development] Ubuntu as an app on Nook Tablet - Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet

This is a development thread. Do not post "good job", or "great idea", or "cool, i'm trying this now".. I want feedback.
Introduction
This is a precursor to a possible way of running a custom kernel and ROM on the Nook Tablet in a chroot environment. I've been working on an Android app and almost have a usable installer for my AndBuntu project. If we are sucessful, this installer can be converted to a Un-Nook-er app "AndNook" which may be used to install custom kernels and ROMs with additional work.
So, with that said, lets get to it.
You will need:
This is all the software you will need to run this script. If you don't have a Debian Linux based computer, you can dual boot, install Ubuntu within Windows, or run it from a memory stick.
A rooted Nook Tablet
Android Market installed on the Nook Tablet
Busybox Installed on the Nook Tablet
A Terminal Emulator installed on the Nook Tablet
A VNC viewer Installed on the Nook Tablet
A Linux computer, dual boot or run from a memory stick
Getting started
The basic process will go like this.. Generate an image in Ubuntu, put that on your /sdcard/Ubuntu folder and then execute a script
On the Linux computer execute the following code block
Code:
cd ~/Desktop
sudo apt-get install rootstock
sudo rootstock --dist maverick --seed lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh --fqdn localhost --login ubuntu --password ubuntu --imagesize 3800M --notarball --fullname "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 --locale en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0 --doswap --swapsize 256M
This will take a while, and it will generate a image file with a bunch of charactors like ***************.img.
rename this file "ubuntu.img" without the quotes
create a folder on the Nook Tablet called "/sdcard/ubuntu". (that's internal storage folder "/ubuntu/")
copy the "ubuntu.img" file to the folder
copy THIS SCRIPT to your sdcard/ubuntu/ folder and name it "uboot".
launch the terminal emulator and execute the following code block
Code:
su
sh /sdcard/ubuntu/uboot
Paste the output of that command here. If it failed stop. If it worked, keep going
in the Ubuntu environment execute the following code block
Code:
/firstRun
tightvncserver
tightvncserver may ask you for a password
Launch your VNC Viewer app
Specify 127.0.0.1 as the connection address. Use your password which you selected in previous code block.
Please note, the script is designed for a Samsung Android device. There is a line in the SH script
Code:
export UbuntuLoopFS=/sdcard/ubuntu/ubuntu.img
This line may require modification.
I'm looking for feedback. If you cannot understand what's going on, please don't post. This is not user friendly.
I take no responsibility or liability for anything which may happen to your device. This may force your device into a boot loop 8 times and your device will be factory restored. If it does, please let me know and I will make changes accordingly.

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I am interested in trying this but
How much data will need to be downloaded, I currently only have "borrowed" WiFi and cell phone
And does this give you a fully usable ubuntu with desktop and ability to install linux apps
thanks for info

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little8020 said:
I am interested in trying this but
How much data will need to be downloaded, I currently only have "borrowed" WiFi and cell phone
And does this give you a fully usable ubuntu with desktop and ability to install linux apps
thanks for info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
about 2-400 megs

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Not sure if it makes a difference, but the NT mounts the sdcard at /mnt/sdcard
Any way, though, I have a Linux Mint (based on Ubuntu) distro installed through VirtualBox, and I'll throw together an Ubuntu installation as well right now. I'm more than willing to help out.

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(misinterpreted the meaning of 'feedback'. Apologies.)
EDIT 2: Turning this into a useful post. Hopefully this is the kind of bull**** you want. If not, I'll try again!
Tried the image build on a system running Oneiric. Receive segfaults when attempting to add CA certs to java.
Code:
Setting up ca-certificates-java (20100412) ...
creating /etc/ssl/certs/java/cacerts...
qemu: uncaught target signal 11 (Segmentation fault) - core dumped
/var/lib/dpkg/info/ca-certificates-java.postinst: line 40: 16110 Segmentation fault LANG=C LC_ALL=C keytool -importcert -trustcacerts -keystore $KEYSTORE -noprompt -storepass "$storepass" -alias "$alias" -file "$cacertdir/$pem" > $log 2>&1
/var/lib/dpkg/info/ca-certificates-java.postinst: line 40: 16113 Segmentation fault LANG=C LC_ALL=C keytool -importcert
trustcacerts -keystore $KEYSTORE -providerClass sun.security.pkcs11.SunPKCS11 -providerArg '${java.home}/lib/security/nss.cfg' -noprompt -storepass "$storepass" -alias "$alias" -file "$cacertdir/$pem" > $log 2>&1
error adding brasil.gov.br/brasil.gov.br.crt
Many segfaults follow. One for each cert it tried to install. Image build abends shortly after with an error code 1 in sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg.
At first I thought this might be due to my use of OpenJDK. I removed OpenJDK, installed Sun/Oracle JDK and experienced same. This may be Oneiric-specific. For giggles I'm trying oneiric as the dist in a follow-up build on this machine, and also moving to a second Ubuntu box that's running Maverick for another try at the original instructions. Will edit this post with future updates.

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AdamOutler said:
[*]On the Linux computer execute the following code block
Code:
cd ~/Desktop
sudo apt-get install rootstock
sudo rootstock --dist maverick --seed lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh, -fqdn localhost --login ubuntu --password ubuntu --imagesize 3800M --notarball --fullname "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 --locale en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0 --doswap --swapsize 256M
This will take a while, and it will generate a image file with a bunch of charactors like ***************.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arg, I let this go for ~an hour on my netbook and got a long way through the process before I got:
Code:
/usr/bin/stat: cannot read file system information for `/home/UserUser': No such file or directory
Segmentation fault
Can this be done on a 64-bit installation of ubuntu? I have that on the more powerful desktop downstairs.

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You know that this is already in the market... Ubuntu install guide. An image of 10.10 for Arm is linked in the app along with the script to start it. I have it installed and running. Only issue I have is that the resolution is lower than Blaze as the image is designed for phones.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium

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liquidzoo said:
Not sure if it makes a difference, but the NT mounts the sdcard at /mnt/sdcard
Any way, though, I have a Linux Mint (based on Ubuntu) distro installed through VirtualBox, and I'll throw together an Ubuntu installation as well right now. I'm more than willing to help out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mint will work.
LouZiffer said:
Personally I'd like the option of a slimmed down version that doesn't include the overhead of X/VNC, though I can understand the advantages of a GUI from a usability standpoint. That's a simple matter of generating an image without those options, but you might want to consider it if you're offering pre-generated images or scripts for download at some point.
Sent from my HTC Evo Design 4G using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the kind of bull**** I don't want in this thread. Congratulations on wasting a post.
jeph36 said:
Arg, I let this go for ~an hour on my netbook and got a long way through the process before I got:
Code:
/usr/bin/stat: cannot read file system information for `/home/UserUser': No such file or directory
Segmentation fault
Can this be done on a 64-bit installation of ubuntu? I have that on the more powerful desktop downstairs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to log in as a full user. UserUser is not a valid user. Useruser does not have a home folder.

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AdamOutler said:
you need to log in as a full user. UserUser is not a valid user. Useruser does not have a home folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It actually was "/home/jeph36/" where 'jeph36' is my normal ubuntu login. When I posted I thought maybe I should change it for some privacy reason, only to later realize that it is my xda user name anyway. I assume by "full user" you just mean the user that I use to login.
Edit: I tried again on the same computer with the same result. I am not sure what is missing. Unfortunately I can not stay up later to try on a different computer or with a new install (new 3-day old baby, work tomorrow, etc). Hopefully someone else has this working by tomorrow afternoon/evening, but if not I will get on it then.

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AdamOutler said:
This is a development thread. Do not post "good job", or "great idea", or "cool, i'm trying this now".. I want feedback.
<QUOTE SNIP>
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saw a few mistakes such as "sh /sdcard/uboot" Shouldnt it be "sh /sdcard/ubunbtu/uboot"? I am currently n the proccess of getting ubuntu up and running in virtualbox and will be trying this out once i get this up and running for you.
Edit: The rootstock command did not work for me on ubuntu 10.04 it just spits out the command usage spill. IT installed rootstock just fine tho. so I am lost at the moment until I get some feedback of my own here. do I need to iunstall anything ontop of my fresh ubuntu install to get this working?
Edit got the command working but its still flawed big time as it keeps kicking out errors at me. You are going to want to take a good look at it and fix it.
Ed ok I managed to create the image file and here is the command i used to do it
Code:
sudo rootstock --dist maverick --seed lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh, -f localhost --l ubuntu --p ubuntu --imagesize 3800M --notarball --fullname "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 --locale en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0
Not sure if it will work correctly or not but I am going to find out soon.
Edit: Ok got it transfered over and ran the "sh /sdcard/ubuntu/uboot" Command and this is the output from it
Code:
: permission denied
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
The command executed failed. please search for this command on Google. IF that fails, try [url]www.ubuntuforums.org[/url].
: permission denied
"
"
"
Setting up environmental variables
test: permission denied
Environmental is:
/sdcard/ubuntu/uboot: 96: Syntax error: "else" unexpected (expecting "then")

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Montisaquadeis said:
Saw a few mistakes such as "sh /sdcard/uboot" Shouldnt it be "sh /sdcard/ubunbtu/uboot"? I am currently n the proccess of getting ubuntu up and running in virtualbox and will be trying this out once i get this up and running for you.
Edit: The rootstock command did not work for me on ubuntu 10.04 it just spits out the command usage spill. IT installed rootstock just fine tho. so I am lost at the moment until I get some feedback of my own here. do I need to iunstall anything ontop of my fresh ubuntu install to get this working?
Edit got the command working but its still flawed big time as it keeps kicking out errors at me. You are going to want to take a good look at it and fix it.
Ed ok I managed to create the image file and here is the command i used to do it
Code:
sudo rootstock --dist maverick --seed lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh, -f localhost --l ubuntu --p ubuntu --imagesize 3800M --notarball --fullname "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 --locale en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0
Not sure if it will work correctly or not but I am going to find out soon.
Edit: Ok got it transfered over and ran the "sh /sdcard/ubuntu/uboot" Command and this is the output from it
Code:
: permission denied
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
The command executed failed. please search for this command on Google. IF that fails, try [url]www.ubuntuforums.org[/url].
: permission denied
"
"
"
Setting up environmental variables
test: permission denied
Environmental is:
/sdcard/ubuntu/uboot: 96: Syntax error: "else" unexpected (expecting "then")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try as superuser.. I'm downloading right now, later I'll tell if work

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AdamOutler said:
mint will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, I will do this tonight and post results.
Montisaquadeis said:
Edit: Ok got it transfered over and ran the "sh /sdcard/ubuntu/uboot" Command and this is the output from it
Code:
: permission denied
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
The command executed failed. please search for this command on Google. IF that fails, try [url]www.ubuntuforums.org[/url].
: permission denied
"
"
"
Setting up environmental variables
test: permission denied
Environmental is:
/sdcard/ubuntu/uboot: 96: Syntax error: "else" unexpected (expecting "then")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it should be sh /mnt/sdcard/ubuntu/uboot (though it appears that may be what you input), and it should be done as root.

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Ok after giving terminal emulator root access all those permisson denied turn into not found. so that script dont work either way. the rest of that output stayed the same.

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The script must be edited to the absolute path for the Ubuntu image.

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good job, great idea, this is cool, i'm trying this now

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AdamOutler said:
The script must be edited to the absolute path for the Ubuntu image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the image on the sdcard in a folder called ubuntu and the file name is ubuntu.img
I would assume that is where the script is looking for the image and its there on the sdcard in the folder named ubuntu and the file is ubuntu.img

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The image parameters were wrong..
sudo rootstock --dist maverick --seed lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh, -fqdn localhost --login ubuntu --password ubuntu --imagesize 3800M --notarball --fullname "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 --locale en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0 --doswap --swapsize 256M
should have been
Code:
sudo rootstock --dist maverick --seed lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh -fqdn localhost --login ubuntu --password ubuntu --imagesize 3800M --notarball --fullname "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 --locale en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0 --doswap --swapsize 256M
See that? I didn't either... the comma after "ssh" should not be there.

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Not sure if it's going to make a difference, but I am getting an error when running the (corrected) rootstock command:
Unable to open a folder for 4.0 GB Filesystem
No application is registered as handling this file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still running, so maybe it won't matter. This is on a 20GB (total, split 500M /boot, 10G /, 9.5G /home) VirtualBox Mint system.

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And they are still wrong it should be -f localhost --l ubuntu --p ubuntu not -fqdn localhost --login ubuntu --password ubuntu

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Montisaquadeis said:
And they are still wrong it should be -f localhost --l ubuntu --p ubuntu not -fqdn localhost --login ubuntu --password ubuntu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-f and --fqdn are interchangeable, but you're right, if you use fqdn it needs another dash, though you're wrong about --l and --p, it's either --login and --password or -l and -p Again, they're interchangeable.
The shorter way would be:
sudo rootstock -d maverick -s lxde,tightvncserver,openoffice.org,gimp,ssh, -f localhost -l ubuntu -p ubuntu -i 3800M --notarball -n "Ubuntu for Android" --kbmodel pc104 -x en_US.UTF-8 --serial ttyS0 --doswap --swapsize 256M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though, for some reason, the -s switch doesn't seem to work (on my version) in place of --seed