Bringing NetSurf to Your reMarkable 2: A Comprehensive Guide
You’re ready to expand the capabilities of your reMarkable 2 tablet? This guide will walk you through installing and configuring NetSurf, a lightweight web browser, unlocking a new dimension of functionality for your device. it’s a process that requires a few steps, but the reward – a fully functional web browser on your reMarkable 2 – is well worth the effort.
Preparation: Essential Files and Access
First, you’ll need to acquire the necessary files.Download both the NetSurf submission package and the resources folder. Ensure you have SSH access to your reMarkable 2, as this is crucial for transferring files and executing commands. Familiarity with basic Linux commands will also be beneficial.
Installing the NetSurf Application
Begin by transferring the NetSurf application package to your reMarkable 2. Then, navigate to the directory containing the package using SSH. Next, extract the contents of the package. You may encounter a permission issue requiring you to make the libevdev.so.2 file executable. Run chmod a+x libevdev.so.2 to resolve this.
After this, refresh the AppLoad menu or execute cd && xovi/start via SSH. you shoudl now see NetSurf listed within AppLoad. Though, it won’t function correctly yet, as it requires additional resources and fonts.
Resources and Fonts: Completing the Setup
The final step involves populating the necessary resource files and fonts. Copy the contents of the downloaded resources folder into /opt/usr/share/netsurf/. If this directory doesn’t exist, create it.
Later, download the DejaVu fonts from https://dejavu-fonts.github.io/. Place all the TTF files within /opt/share/fonts/ttf-dejavu/. Again, create the directory if it’s missing.
Launching NetSurf and Initial Configuration
Once the resources and fonts are in place, refresh AppLoad or run cd && xovi/start one final time. Reboot your reMarkable 2. Upon restarting, you should be able to launch NetSurf from the appload menu.
Optimizing Your netsurf Experience: Usage Tips
Now that netsurf is running,here are some tips to enhance your browsing experience:
Window Management: Swipe from the top of the screen,approximately 1cm down from the address bar,to reveal a window menu. This allows you to close the browser or resize it into a draggable window.
Onscreen Keyboard: Access the onscreen keyboard by tapping the small “a” icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Bookmarks: Customize your browsing experience by editing the /opt/usr/share/netsurf/welcome.html file to add your preferred bookmarks in HTML format.
Configuration Options: Modify the /home/root/.netsurf/Choices file to adjust settings:
Change your homepage by altering the homepageurl:about:welcome key.
Enable basic JavaScript support by setting enablejavascript:1.
* Login Persistence: Be aware that login cookies are not currently saved. You may need to re-enter your credentials each time you restart the browser.
Auto-Starting NetSurf at Boot (Optional)
You can configure netsurf to automatically launch at boot using a systemd unit file. However,consider the potential drawbacks. If XOVI encounters issues after an update, auto-starting could lead to boot-time problems. A manual launch via SSH after each reboot offers greater control and stability.
This guide provides a comprehensive pathway to enjoying NetSurf on your reMarkable 2. With a little effort, you can unlock a world of web browsing possibilities on your innovative device.Happy browsing!