Is it doable to get an 2.4 linux kernel running on the efika? I noticed that the debian distro is also using the 2.6 kernel. Using an older kernel and gcc i might be able to compile miniglx (fdbev/dri mesa). Should i bother trying or is that an dead end.

It definetly won't be a try and work thing. You need to port (rewrite?) all patches for the efika to the 2.4 kernel.

whatever miniglx is, it might be easier to port this to the 2.6 series.

It's REALLY not worth it.

Stick with 2.6. If you need to use 3D then try DirectFBGL (it isn't Matrox-specific by any means) and try asking on the DirectFB and Mesa mailing lists.

DirectFBGL is also a part of Mesa and is well maintained. Just use the later versions of Mesa (7.x) and start from there. Between the support already in Mesa (implements a software renderer, would be useful to just test) and the DirectFBGL 0.9.25 version (which uses DRI) everything is there.

I think the errors you had on compiling were *NOTHING* to do with code quality on these packages. Going backwards and using older code will only cause more problems in the long term.. this isn't PowerPC-specific, but a problem of your build system and the tools, so I would really recommend talking to those developers :)

Ok points taken.

Debian is currently installing. I will try to compile DirectFBGL on that.

Today i also compiled an software only version of mesa on suse. Software mesa gl works but speed is to low. Although better then expected.

Linux 2.4... That's what VMware ESX runs..

Pretty much everyone else has upgraded the
past four years..

i consider this discussion here closed. I made a new topic here: http://www.powerdeveloper.org/forums/vi ... php?t=1444 on how to setup an development environment on debian so i can make sure the basics are right.