Gentoox
Encyclopedia
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.
Gentoox comes in three versions:
Gentoox also has two tools for performing rescues and recovery:
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 POST and even the ability to boot a Linux kernel via HTTP POST or GET. Gentoox compiles all new software, safely optimizing it for the Xbox's architecture. While this may increase the performance of the compilation output, it means that installing new software can take large amounts of time (e.g. compiling open office takes around 24 hours).
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.
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
based on Gentoo Linux
Gentoo Linux
Gentoo Linux is a computer operating system built on top of the Linux kernel and based on the Portage package management system. It is distributed as free and open source software. Unlike a conventional software distribution, the user compiles the source code locally according to their chosen...
, created especially for the Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
by Thomas Pedley. Gentoox requires a modchip
Modchip
A modchip is a small electronic device used to modify or disable built-in restrictions and limitations of computers, specifically videogame consoles...
or a software mod to run, as it is not authorized Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
software.
Versions
| version | release | date |
|---|---|---|
| Home | 7.1 | 2009-01-28 |
| Resctoox | 6.0 | 2009-01-25 |
| Pro | 5.1 | 2009-01-28 |
| Sparkle | 4.0 | 2009-01-25 |
| MCE | 1.3 | 2005-06-16 |
| Loader | 6.07 | 2007-04-15 |
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 POST and even the ability to boot a Linux kernel via HTTP POST or GET. Gentoox compiles all new software, safely optimizing it for the Xbox's architecture. While this may increase the performance of the compilation output, 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.