OpenZaurus 3.5.1 - alternative Zaurus OS

[Colin Dunstan]

OpenZaurus is an alternative linux distribution for Sharp Zaurus-based PDAs (except the SL-A300 and SL-6000). The original purpose behind the project was to create a ROM 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 Sharp ROM as a base and make alterations, bugfixes, additions and even removals, where necessary, to make the package more open.

LinuxJournal compares OpenZaurus to the original Sharp ROM:

One might think, why would I want to replace my current Sharp Linux distribution? Although I must admit Sharp's embedded Linux distribution is pretty impressive, some points could be improved. Some of these points include SD card compatability and missing utilities, such as SSH. In addition, OpenZaurus provides 16MB of built-in Flash separate from the 64MB of memory split between, in the SL-5500, 32MB for storage and 32MB for heap. The heap memory also can be written to, allowing you to add and remove applications that you can't touch in the Sharp ROM, such as the Hancom applications. Most importantly, OpenZaurus offers freedom of choice.

The same article also goes into detail how you can download and install OpenZaurus on your own Sharp PDA. See attached images how pretty the system looks like.