Armbian has released significant updates focusing on improved NAS functionality, faster boot times, and optimized Rockchip support. Key improvements include OpenMediaVault (OMV) integration for easier NAS setup and management, streamlined boot processes using systemd-boot on more devices for quicker startup, and various performance and stability enhancements specifically for Rockchip-based boards. These updates enhance the user experience and broaden the appeal of Armbian for server and general-purpose applications on supported ARM devices.
Armbian, a project dedicated to providing optimized Debian and Ubuntu-based distributions for ARM devices, has announced a series of significant updates encompassing enhanced NAS functionality, improved boot processes, and performance optimizations specifically for Rockchip-based platforms. The most noteworthy addition is native support for OpenMediaVault (OMV), a popular open-source network-attached storage (NAS) solution. This integration streamlines the setup and management of NAS functionalities on Armbian-supported hardware, enabling users to easily transform their devices into robust file servers, media centers, and more, without requiring complex manual configurations. This simplifies the process for individuals looking to build a home or small office NAS using ARM-based single-board computers (SBCs).
Beyond OMV integration, Armbian has made considerable strides in refining its boot system. Improvements include enhanced support for various UEFI implementations, leading to more reliable and faster boot times across a broader range of devices. These improvements address inconsistencies and complexities often encountered when booting from different UEFI firmwares, ultimately providing a smoother and more predictable startup experience. Further enhancements address issues with U-Boot, a widely used bootloader in embedded systems, specifically resolving problems related to USB detection and operation during early boot stages. This is crucial for users relying on bootable USB drives or requiring USB functionality immediately upon startup.
Furthermore, Armbian's latest update introduces specific optimizations targeted at Rockchip SoCs, a prevalent processor architecture in many ARM-based devices. These optimizations focus on improving the overall system performance and responsiveness of devices powered by Rockchip processors, capitalizing on the hardware's capabilities. This includes optimized kernel configurations and driver implementations specifically tailored for Rockchip platforms, resulting in a more efficient and performant system overall. The developers have also incorporated improvements to the desktop environment experience on Rockchip devices, resulting in smoother graphical performance and enhanced user interaction.
In summary, the latest Armbian updates represent a significant step forward in providing a robust and versatile operating system for ARM devices. The introduction of OMV support opens up new possibilities for NAS deployments, while the boot system improvements and Rockchip optimizations enhance the reliability, performance, and overall user experience. These updates reinforce Armbian's commitment to delivering a highly optimized and user-friendly platform for a diverse range of ARM hardware.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43960577
HN users generally praise Armbian's progress, particularly its improved support for NAS use-cases through OpenMediaVault (OMV) integration. Some commenters highlight specific advantages like the lightweight nature of Armbian compared to other ARM OSes, and its suitability for older hardware. Others express interest in trying Armbian on devices like the RockPro64 or discuss the benefits of specific kernel versions and board compatibility. A few users also share their positive experiences with Armbian for server and homelab applications, emphasizing its stability and performance. One commenter mentions the utility of Armbian for deploying ad blockers on home networks.
The Hacker News post titled "Armbian Updates: OMV support, boot improvents, Rockchip optimizations" linking to an Armbian newsflash has generated a modest discussion with a few key points raised.
One commenter expresses excitement about the mentioned improvements to the Banana Pi BPI-R2 Pro, specifically highlighting the desire for mainline kernel support for the device. They appear to be a user of this specific board and are looking forward to the benefits a mainline kernel could bring.
Another commenter raises a concern about the focus on NAS (Network Attached Storage) use-cases for these single-board computers. They argue that the limited SATA connectivity on many of these boards restricts their true NAS potential and suggests that other applications might be more suitable. They also mention concerns about power consumption and reliability compared to purpose-built NAS solutions.
A further comment discusses the complexities and challenges involved in supporting various ARM-based boards, acknowledging Armbian's efforts in navigating this complex landscape. They suggest that focusing on fewer, more popular boards might be a more sustainable approach. This comment also touches upon the Rockchip optimizations mentioned in the title and expresses interest in seeing those improvements.
Finally, a user chimes in sharing their positive experience with Armbian, highlighting its reliability and performance on a RockPro64 board used as a home server. They specifically praise the ease of installation and the comprehensive documentation provided by the Armbian project.
The overall sentiment in the comments is generally positive towards Armbian and its efforts to improve ARM-based SBC support. However, there's also a thread of pragmatic concern regarding the suitability of some of these devices for specific applications like NAS, and the inherent challenges in maintaining such a broad range of hardware support.