Choosing the OS

General
1

Hi,

I would like to request some advice on the operating system for the ground control and the companion computer. ​I intend to use Linux for both.​
Will it offer higher compatibility if I choose Linux for both the ground control and the companion computer?
Is using Docker better than relying solely on a basic Linux configuration?
If so, what specific advantages does it provide?
Thank you very much in advance.

Best regards

2

Hi,
you will most likely get various answers to this question as we all have our own priorities, likes and dislikes when it comes to OS and hardware options.

In my case I prefer Linux for multiple reasons:

  • Providing you use a long term supported OS (LTS), you can rest assured that you will be able to use it for many years and get huge support, not just from official channels but also from other users. (Unlike Windows whereby only after a few years you’ll be told that you need to upgrade as your version is no longer supported. - Only to discover that your hardware is not compatible with latest version, as such forcing you to buy a new computer.)
  • Due to open source nature of Linux you can get right into the workings of it and make changes if required. - (Unlike Apple and Microsoft whereby due to proprietary nature system files are not accessible.)
  • Linux in general doesn’t require USB drivers (except some special devices). This ensures that you won’t find yourself in a situation whereby certain devices won’t work after an software upgrade due to a lack of compatible drivers.
  • Huge range of free software available. - Often when you start out with a new hobby like drones, you don’t realise that as you progress you may want to improve and upgrade certain aspects. With Linux you have lots of choice out there and almost certainly find what you are looking for ,…without spending lots of money.
  • If you want to get deeper into it, you can rather easily write your own programs.
  • Mostly compatible with old hardware. I’ve successfully installed Linux on computers 10 years old. - Good luck trying this with the main players out there and their current software. This allows to use hardware you happen to have laying around, rather than buying new gear.
1 Like
3

Yes.

No need for Docker. Just install it on the base OS.

Advantage of docker is isolation, the disadvantage is the complexity and amount of problems you need to solve.

1 Like
4

Thank you very much for this kind answer. Sorry to check late, I was occupied by my projects

5

Thank you very much, I am sorry for the late reply, I was so occupied by my other projects.
May I ask if it is only for the external device on the plane or also the ground control?
Do you not recommend to use Docker for either of them?
Regards

6

For none of them. The computers should only do one thing

7

Thank you very much for your reply!