Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1. Creating Your BeagleBone
Black Development Environment
This topic is for secret agents. James Bond is the secret agent who most likely comes to
mind, but in today's highly connected world, the real secret agents are to be found in Q
branch. Spycraft techniques such as camouflage, listening devices, and palm-print weapons
are useful for field agents, but online we need other tools. These tools, like their field agent
counterparts, enable you to hide in a crowd, protect secret communication, and prove the
identity of other agents. The software and hardware projects in this topic use tools relied
upon by whistleblowers, journalists protecting their sources, and everyday citizens attempt-
ing to access unfiltered information in a strongly censored country.
BeagleBone Black
(
BBB
) is a complete computer that fits inside an Altoid's tin. Its small
form factor, low power consumption, and capable performance empower the device to help
you secure your privacy and protect your communication online. Before we can build upon
these tools, we first need to know how to interact with the BBB. This chapter will introduce
you to BBB and suggest a development environment in which you can build the later pro-
jects.
In this chapter, you will:
• Learn about BBB and the open source principles behind the project
• Install and use the Emacs editor
• Configure Emacs as your embedded development environment
• Tailor your SSH configuration for usability
• Investigate resources for background information on cryptography, electronics, and
Linux
