Obtaining Embedded Linux Experience [closed]

Question

As an embedded firmware developer, I have used operating systems such as WinCE, Nucleus, ThreadX, VRTX and some background loops. There are more opportunities for me if I had Linux OS experience, or perhaps some certification. In my research, the only way to get Linux experience is to have your company move to a Linux OS.

All the recruiters and HR folks won't let you in the door unless you have Linux experience. I haven't found any Universities that teach Linux. Recruiters and HR want some tangible proof (starting up your own Ubuntu box or playing with it doesn't count).

So, how does one get into the area of Embedded Linux without Linux experience (I have Unix and Cygwin experience, but not Linux)?

Answer 1

Install a VM and start using Linux. Transition to an embedded Linux running on ARM or what-have-you.

That'll give you 'hobbyist' experience, and you can probably parlay that into a project which can be parlayed into a job.

Answer 2

Buy a small, cheap router supported by OpenWRT (or similar) and install OpenWRT on it, and start learning.

Have a look at http://wiki.openwrt.org/oldwiki/oldtableofhardware (a bit outdated but you can probably do fine even so). You will most likely want one with USB 2.0 for storage.