Device

Welcome to the next step in your edge computing journey! Now that you have a Barbara Panel account and understand its functionalities, it's time to prepare your hardware. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Barbara OS, the essential firmware that transforms your Edge Node into a powerful and manageable device.

By following these steps, you'll unlock the potential of your Edge Node, enabling it to collect, process, and analyze data at the network's edge. Get ready to experience the benefits of real-time insights, faster decision-making, and optimized performance – all powered by Barbara OS!

Download firmware

In Barbara PANEL, select "OS Images" from the three-line menu on the top left.

Barbara OS in Main Menu

This will take you to the OS Images View. Here, you'll find a list of official Barbara OS firmware versions compatible with various hardware models supported by Barbara. These firmware images are readily available for download.

Barbara Supported Hardware

Visit this section for a comprehensive list of compatible devices.

OS Images View

Once you've identified your specific node or device model, locate the Download button (indicated by an arrow icon) under the Actions column.

Clicking this button will initiate the download of a compressed file (.zip) containing the Barbara OS binary files that you'll need to install on your Edge Node.

The downloaded file will be saved to your computer's designated download location.

Burn the ISO image

Download Etcher ISO Image Burner App

To flash the downloaded Barbara OS image onto your Edge Node, we'll be using a user-friendly application called Etcher. You can download Etcher from the official website.

Depending on the Node selected, you can use an SD Card (in case your node uses SD storage: Raspberry PI family, Advantech UNO-220, etc) or a USB pen drive (in case your node uses an embedded hard disk: Beelink BT4-Pro, Schneider Harmony P6, etc).

Balena Etcher

Depending on the hardware used, this process may take a few minutes. Once the Barbara OS image is burned in your SD/USB, install the firmware on your Node.

Install Barbara OS

Boot Up Time

Bootup may take up to 10 minutes to complete, depending on the hardware used.

The steps to install the Barbara OS vary depending on the type of node used. You can do it in two ways:

1. Using an SD card
2. Using a USB pendrive

Using an SD card

For devices that support SD card booting, you can install Barbara OS using a streamlined process:

1. Insert the SD Card

   With your Edge Node powered off, insert the SD card containing the downloaded Barbara OS image into the designated SD card slot on your device.

2. Power On and Boot

   Power on your Edge Node. The system should automatically detect the Barbara OS image on the SD card and begin the installation process.

3. Wait for Completion

   Allow the boot process to finish. The installation time may vary depending on your hardware specifications (it may take up to 10 minutes).

note

This method is only applicable if your Edge Node supports booting from SD cards. Refer to your device's manual for confirmation. After successful installation, the system may automatically reboot.

Using a USB pendrive

Preparation:

Before proceeding, ensure you have a keyboard, display, and a USB flash drive containing the downloaded Barbara OS image. These will be necessary for the installation process.

1. Accessing BIOS and Setting Boot Priority

   Connect your keyboard and display to your Edge Node. Power on your Edge Node and enter the BIOS setup utility. The specific key combination to access BIOS depends on your device manufacturer. Consult your device's manual for instructions. Once in BIOS, locate the section for boot priority settings. This is usually under "Boot" or "Boot Options". Using the BIOS navigation keys, set your USB flash drive containing the Barbara OS image as the first boot device. This ensures the system attempts to boot from the USB drive first.

2. Booting from the USB Drive

   Save your BIOS settings and exit the utility. Your Edge Node will restart. During the reboot process, the system should automatically detect the Barbara OS image on the USB drive and begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

3. Restoring BIOS Settings

   After successfully installing Barbara OS, it's crucial to reconfigure the boot priority settings in your BIOS. Reboot your Edge Node and enter the BIOS setup utility again. Locate the boot priority settings and change them back to their original configuration, setting your main storage drive as the first boot option. Additionally, locate the option for automatic restart after power outage and ensure it's enabled. This ensures your Edge Node recovers automatically from a power loss.

note

BIOS interfaces can vary depending on your specific hardware manufacturer. Refer to your device's manual for detailed instructions on navigating your BIOS settings.