The OpenZaurus project was created as an alternative image for the Sharp Zaurus personal mobile tool. The original purpose behind the project was to create a image (kernel + root filesystem) which was a bit closer to what the developer community specifically desired. The method by which this was accomplished was simply to use the SharpROM as a base and make alterations, bugfixes, additions and even removals, where necessary, to make the package more open. Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 running OpenZaurus and OPIE, with docking cradle and stylus The Sharp Zaurus is the name of a series of Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) made by Sharp Corporation. ... The word kernel has a a variety of meanings in a several fields. ... A developer can be one of: A software developer, one who programs computers or designs the system to match the requirements of a systems analyst. ...
Shortly after this, it was revamped completely. OpenZaurus is now a Debian-based embedded distribution built from source, from the ground up. Given these roots, it is quite similar to other embedded Debian-based distributions, such as Familiar for the iPAQ. This means of doing things also facilitates an easy method for users to build their own custom images. The efforts of Openzaurus along with other embedded Linux projects were integrated into the Openembedded Project, which now provides the common framework for these projects. Debian, organized by the Debian Project, is a widely used distribution of free software developed through the collaboration of volunteers from around the world. ... Familiar Linux is a replacement for Windows CE on iPAQ machines and other personal digital assistants (PDAs). ... iPAQ h555x The iPAQ is a Pocket PC and personal digital assistant first introduced by Compaq in November 1999. ... The Openembedded Project (OE for short) provides a framework to create Linux distributions aimed for handheld devices. ...
Some developers have created a replacement Linux distribution for the Zaurus called OpenZaurus, which uses the OPIE or GPE graphical user interfaces and is designed for the power user, but it does not include the proprietary software that comes with Sharp's distribution.
One popular - and free - alternative that runs on the Sharp ROM and OpenZaurus as well as Windows and Linux is the KDE PIM/Platform-independent set of applications.
OpenZaurus, an open-source alternative to the ROM distributed with the Zaurus
The OpenZaurus project was created as an alternative image for the Sharp Zaurus personal mobile tool.
OpenZaurus is now a Debian-based embedded distribution built from source, from the ground up.
The efforts of Openzaurus along with other embedded Linux projects were integrated into the OpenEmbedded Project, which now provides the common framework for these projects.