Now that you're backed up, it's time to add some new weapons to your iPod's
arsenal. The first step is putting a basic version of iPodLinux on your iPod.
Then, we'll upgrade that version of iPodLinux to get all the latest
features.
First step for 1G and 2G iPods
If you are installing
iPodLinux on a first-generation or second-generation iPod, you need to first
make sure the correct version of Apple's iPod Updater is installed on your
PC.
The iPod Updater software dated 2004-11-15 is the latest version of
the iPod firmware that makes iPodLinux installation possible on your 1G or 2G
iPod. Later versions of the iPod Updater won't work, so make sure the Updater is
dated 2004-11-15 or earlier.
Follow these steps to find out if you have
that update installed.
- Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add Or Remove
Programs.
- Scroll down to iPod Updater and make sure the date listed is
2004-11-15.
- If there are newer versions in your Add Or Remove Programs list, you'll need
to uninstall them to complete this project.
- If the 2004-11-15 updater isn't on your computer, you can download it from
Softpedia.com.
How to install
iPodLinux
- Download the iPod Linux installer from SourceForge.net.
- Create a new folder on your desktop named iPod Linux Installer.
- Extract the files from the ZIP package you downloaded. Save the files to the
iPod Linux Installer folder you created on your desktop.
- Connect your iPod to your computer.
- Open the iPod Linux Installer folder on your desktop. Double-click the
ipodlinux-installer.exe file to run the installation program.
- The iPod Linux Installer window should launch. Click Next to begin the
iPodLinux installation wizard.
- The next window lets you select the OS your iPod will load each time you
turn it on. We suggest selecting the radio button next to iPodLinux, then
clicking Next to continue.
- The next window allows you to make a backup of your iPod firmware in its
current state. We also suggest making that backup so that you can restore your
iPod to its current state if you decide to uninstall iPodLinux. Check the box
next to Yes, then click Next.
- After the backup is complete, click Next to begin the iPodLinux
installation.
- Click Finish to exit the installation wizard.
- Disconnect your iPod from your computer. Your iPod should reboot
automatically.
Once your iPod reboots, you'll see the familiar
Apple logo. Ho-hum. But shortly thereafter, you'll notice a change: The Linux
penguin appears on your iPod's screen, then some lines of scrolling code. And
then you'll get your first glimpse of Podzilla, iPodLinux's navigation
interface.
Take a moment to poke around Podzilla and see what it has to
offer. You'll notice a similar look to iPod's official firmware, but with
additional features and menu options.
Because the iPodLinux installation
created a dual-boot system, you have the option of switching to Apple's iPod
firmware at any time. Simply hold down the menu and play buttons simultaneously
to reboot your iPod manually. As it reboots, hold the rewind button down. That
will boot the original iPod firmware.
Think running a new OS on your iPod
is pretty cool? Well, you haven't seen anything yet. The next step is to upgrade
Podzilla and the iPodLinux kernel, and after that is when the magic really
happens.
