Programs

Add programs

The Fritz!Box is running a LINUX system, therefore it is possible to add some useful programs First you need to check the version of the Linux Kernel:

It is important to find out if you have a 2.4-Kernel or a 2.6-Kernel. In this example it is a 2.6-Kernel, more precise a 2.6.13.1-Kernel. All newer FritBoxes have the 2.6-Kernel. That’s the reason why I offer, for the time being, only code for that kernel. NOTE: This code does not work with the 2.4-Kernel!

Also, it is important to distinguish between Fritz!Boxes with and without USB memory.

Fritz!Box without USB memory

First you must download the desired program from the web.

NOTE: SOME MODIFICATIONS REQUIRES USB MEMORY and don’t run without. The reason is the limited memory of the Fritz!Box. This is also valid for new models as 7270 with 16 Mb FLASH and 64 Mb SDRAM, because some programs as a SVN-Server may need some Giga to run.

Another note: this option also works with USB memory , however I recommend it only if there is no physical USB device attached. The reason for this is limited speed :

  • You have to wait for an internet connection and this can last up to 30 min.
  • Internet connection is slow (not always the case and not too important)
  • Memory of the Fritz!Box is not sufficient for big programs

The following code line initiates a waiting loop. This is not required if you make your trials on the console. It can also be dropped for any programs coming later: it is only required before the first download. On the other hand it does not any harm if it is entered before each download.

ATTENTION: If there is no internet connection possible the script will hang at this point. This is not a major issue if all modifications not needing Internet access are made before. So take care to do it in that sequence!

Another hint: you can see in my download links what Fritz!Boxes were tested with them.

Fritz!Box mit USB-Speicher

You cant copy the program from the USB memory (eg. USB stick or USB hard drive) into the main memory, alternatively you can start the program directly from the USB memory.

This option is preferred since

  • you don’t have to wait for internet connection but only for mounting the USB memory (can last a few minutes)
  • You can even start the program directly from USB memory.
  • USB mmeory is appropriate for big programs (eg. Apache): Extension capacity of the USB memory is practically unlimited

The following line in the code imitates waiting for mounting the drive. Logically you don’t need to run it if you make trials on the console. It can be skipped for subsequent programs: it is only needed before the very first start or copying process. On the other hand it does not harm if you add it before each download process.

start.sh in my case this entry must exist in the main directory of the hard disk. You can either create an empty file or copy any other file and rename it.

Hitachi-HTS543216L9A300-01 name of my hard disk, yours is most probably different: you must replace it with the correct name. Find out the name with this command:

ATTENTION: If you can’t connect to the USB memory the script will hang at this point. This is not ia major issue if all modifications not needing Internet access are made before. So take care to do it in that sequence!!

Another hint: my download links show what Fritz!Boxes the program was tested with. Small programs are copied into the TEMP directory, big ones are run from the USB memory: This can be changed if desired.

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