Archive:HOW-TO:Install XBMC on an ION based machine
Introduction
This article is a mash up of HOW-TO threads found on the XBMC Forum. It is primarily geared towards Ubuntu Linux and ASRock ION330 users, however you may find it useful for other ION based systems too.
The initial article was based on the following threads:
At the time of writing, this article is for Ubuntu version 9.04 and upwards only. If you're installing/using an older version of Ubuntu it is recommended you upgrade (since they are unsupported).
If you find errors or have any new tips, please edit the page.
Hardware
BIOS
If you are using an ASRock ION 330 then the following BIOS changes should be made
- Change shared memory => 512
- Upgrade BIOS => 1.60 (Download DOS version, unzip and put on USB => Smart Flash in BIOS)
- Remove the boot logo
- Enable "good night LED" if you want all light of on the box.
No other BIOS changes are necessary (ie no overclocking)
Installation
It is assumed at this point you have your hardware ready and waiting for the Operating System to be installed.
Install Ubuntu
There are two basic ways to install Ubuntu - the full Desktop version or the Minimal Install. The easiest method is to install Ubuntu Desktop.
You will need to use the username and password combo of xbmc/xbmc. I.E. username is xbmc, password is xbmc.