Distributions
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| - | '''Overview of available software distributions from a user's point of view | + | '''Overview of available software distributions from a user's point of view.''' |
| - | This | + | |
| + | This article is aimed at explaining the different distributions in detail. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Users new to the Zaurus community should take a look at [[Introduction to Alternative ROMs]]. | ||
| + | * [[Kernels]], most people don't compile their own but there are a lot of kernels ready available. | ||
| + | * [[Dual Booting]] is somewhat difficult but still possible. | ||
| + | * [[Recovery]] details some of the procedures for restoring a Zaurus after a bad installation. | ||
| + | |||
= Terminology = | = Terminology = | ||
| - | Any operating system consists of a kernel ( | + | Any operating system consists of a kernel (Linux in our case) and a file system with user space software (applications). Both are usually stored in the Zaurus internal NAND memory while the user space part can be on a memory card or the C3x00 hard drive as well. People call the combination of a kernel and a read-only file system a ''ROM'' for historic reasons. The procedure of installing a new ROM is called ''flashing''. |
| - | A convenient way to install additional software are ''feed''s, | + | A convenient way to install additional software are ''feed''s, these are internet sites providing binary packages. Those will be installed to a read-write partition on any form of storage available (internal NAND/HDD, CF/SD, USB key, network). |
We'll call the combination of ROM and feed a ''distribution'' in this document. | We'll call the combination of ROM and feed a ''distribution'' in this document. | ||
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= Software compatibility = | = Software compatibility = | ||
| - | Zaurus is a Linux PDA after all, so we can port any open source software and mix with whatever distribution we are running, right? Maybe. However (binary) interfaces differ a lot, so don't get too excited about mix and match | + | Zaurus is a Linux PDA after all, so we can port any open source software and mix with whatever distribution we are running, right? Maybe. However (binary) interfaces differ a lot, so don't get too excited about mix and match: it won't match. If a program you want to use is not in your distribution (neither in the ROM nor in a suitable feed) and you want to install it, there's work ahead. |
The major issue here is the different kinds of GUIs used. Unless you are a software developer with some free time on your hand you probably want to choose a distribution that suits your needs. This page is to help you with that decision. | The major issue here is the different kinds of GUIs used. Unless you are a software developer with some free time on your hand you probably want to choose a distribution that suits your needs. This page is to help you with that decision. | ||
| - | pdaXrom, OZ/GPE, debian and pocketworkstation run on top of X. This is what all | + | [[pdaXrom]], OZ/GPE, debian and pocketworkstation run on top of X. This is what all Linux desktop GUIs use which makes porting software (such as from GNOME) possible but not trivial. OZ/OPIE, Sharp/Qtopia and Cacko use qt/embedded. QT is a free (partly as in speech, partly as in beer) toolkit to write GUIs for windows and X desktops, QT/embedded however differs from regular desktop QT, which again makes porting software (such as from KDE) possible but not trivial. |
| - | All the Sharp Zaurus applications are binary compatible across distros, so as long as they don't require a GUI and are command line based, they should work, however, they have different library dependencies which is where the biggest | + | All the Sharp Zaurus applications are binary compatible across distros, so as long as they don't require a GUI and are command line based, they should work, however, they have different library dependencies which is where the biggest compatibility problem is. Sharp, Cacko and pdaXrom use GLIB 2.2.x whereas PocketWorkstation/Debian and OZ use GLIB 2.3.x. Applications that are not dependent on the latest GLIB features, usually can run on any Zaurus distro. |
That said, the binaries may run, however, the package will not install because there are two different package formats for the IPK files as well. Sharp/Cacko and pdaXrom use an older IPK format that is in essence a tgz file containing tgz files. Debian and OZ use a newer format which the ipkg commands in the other distros cannot read and extract. There are tools around to convert between the package formats. | That said, the binaries may run, however, the package will not install because there are two different package formats for the IPK files as well. Sharp/Cacko and pdaXrom use an older IPK format that is in essence a tgz file containing tgz files. Debian and OZ use a newer format which the ipkg commands in the other distros cannot read and extract. There are tools around to convert between the package formats. | ||
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= Common distributions = | = Common distributions = | ||
| - | == Sharp | + | == [[Sharp ROM]] == |
| - | Sharp ships | + | Sharp ships Zaurus initially configured with Trolltech's Qtopia. The software differs slightly from model to model. It's generally considered stable but lacks features found in other distributions. |
| - | * uses | + | * uses Qtopia 1.5.4 and Qt/Embedded 2.3.2 |
* optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment) | * optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment) | ||
* feeds with additional software are available | * feeds with additional software are available | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Crow == | ||
| + | |||
| + | [http://www.schwag.org/~crow/ Cacko/Crow] is a ROM for the SL-5000/5500, placing /home on an MMC or SD card. | ||
== Cacko == | == Cacko == | ||
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* supports most clamshell models: SL-C7x0/C860/C1000/C3100 | * supports most clamshell models: SL-C7x0/C860/C1000/C3100 | ||
* 100% English | * 100% English | ||
| - | * uses | + | * uses Qtopia 1.5.4 just like SharpROM |
* optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment) | * optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment) | ||
* Tetsu special kernel | * Tetsu special kernel | ||
| - | * Based on kernel 2.4.18, Anton back | + | * Based on kernel 2.4.18, Anton back ported many updates and drivers from the later 2.4 kernel |
| - | * Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF | + | * Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF Bluetooth & WiFi, CF USB host, etc |
| - | * supports | + | * supports WiFi networking very well, including WPA (if using a card with hostap drivers) |
Cacko uses a compressed file system to store the main file system, and thus is quite space efficient; the downside is there are quite a few symbolic links in the read-write file system into the loopback-mounted cramfs file system in order to allow patching and changes. | Cacko uses a compressed file system to store the main file system, and thus is quite space efficient; the downside is there are quite a few symbolic links in the read-write file system into the loopback-mounted cramfs file system in order to allow patching and changes. | ||
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[http://my-zaurus.narod.ru/cacko.html] | [http://my-zaurus.narod.ru/cacko.html] | ||
| - | == | + | == tkcROM == |
| + | An interesting modified Sharp ROM. Certain apps stripped out, available as ipks. Home on SD but with a different method to the Cacko/Crow ROM. Also has recently been given a modified initrd to enable SD cards larger than 2 GB. See [[Available ROMs for the SL-5x00]] also. | ||
| - | * supports Zaurus | + | == [[pdaXrom]] == |
| + | |||
| + | ===pdaXrom current (r121 and later)=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * supports Zaurus SL-C7x0/7500/860, SL-6000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200, C3000 (experimental), x86 PCs, PhyCORE-PXA270 | ||
* 100% open source, GNU GPL | * 100% open source, GNU GPL | ||
| + | * Linux 2.6.x kernel | ||
* X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager but can also use other window managers like xfce, kde, etc... | * X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager but can also use other window managers like xfce, kde, etc... | ||
* crosscompiled desktop applications, not all optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment) | * crosscompiled desktop applications, not all optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment) | ||
* Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc), SD cards, IR, and USB host/client | * Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc), SD cards, IR, and USB host/client | ||
| + | |||
[http://www.pdaxrom.org/], [[pdaXrom]] | [http://www.pdaxrom.org/], [[pdaXrom]] | ||
| - | == OpenEmbedded/OpenZaurus == | ||
| - | + | ===pdaXrom beta1/beta3=== | |
| + | |||
| + | * supports Zaurus SL-5000D/5500, SL-C7x0/7500/860, SL-6000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200, SL-C3000 (experimental), x86 PCs, PhyCORE-PXA270 | ||
| + | * 100% open source, GNU GPL | ||
| + | * Linux 2.4.x kernel | ||
| + | * X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager but can also use other window managers like xfce, kde, etc... | ||
| + | * crosscompiled desktop applications, not all optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment) | ||
| + | * Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc), SD cards, IR, and USB host/client | ||
| + | |||
| + | [http://www.pdaxrom.org/], [[pdaXrom]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ===pdaXii13=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * supports Zaurus SL-C3000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200, SL-C7x0/7500/860 (in a limited fashion) | ||
| + | * based on pdaXrom beta1/beta3 | ||
| + | * X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager and can be easily switched to fluxbox and icewe | ||
| + | * customised desktop applications optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment) | ||
| + | * custom keyboard mappings for both Zaurus keyboard and USB keyboard | ||
| + | * many bug fixes for beta1/beta3 | ||
| + | |||
| + | [http://www.users.on.net/~hluc/myZaurus/pdaxii13.html], [[pdaXii13]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===pdaXiiNG=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ''Note: these are planned specs, this doesn't actually exist yet''. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * supports Zaurus SL-C3000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200 (later) | ||
| + | * based on pdaXrom latest rxxx with 2.6.x kernel | ||
| + | * X windows, GTK - use icewm as default window manager | ||
| + | * customised desktop applications optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment) | ||
| + | * custom keyboard mappings for both Zaurus keyboard and USB keyboard | ||
| + | |||
| + | [http://www.users.on.net/~hluc/myZaurus/pdaxiing.html], [[pdaXiiNG]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Open Zaurus == | ||
| - | + | [[Open Zaurus]] supports all Zaurus models (except SL-A300 which is very rare device). It's the only one distribution with 2.6 kernel for some models. | |
Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc). | Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc). | ||
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* spelled Angstrom with °A=Å und "o=ö | * spelled Angstrom with °A=Å und "o=ö | ||
| - | * future of | + | * future of Open Zaurus. |
=== Hentges === | === Hentges === | ||
| - | * based on | + | * based on Open Zaurus and maintained by Matthias Hentges |
| - | * Uses the | + | * Uses the Open Zaurus feeds |
* installs and preconfigures many of the most popular applications | * installs and preconfigures many of the most popular applications | ||
* [http://www.hentges.net/misc/ Hentges website] | * [http://www.hentges.net/misc/ Hentges website] | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Debian == | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are several variants of Debian that can be run on Zaurus. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Use familiar Debian concepts. | ||
| + | * Instant access to 15000 binary packages compiled for your ARM processor from tons of Debian mirrors worldwide | ||
| + | * Other advantages/disadvantages are not clear yet (''more experienced people should add details''). | ||
| + | |||
| + | See [[Debian/Zaurus]]. | ||
= Applications = | = Applications = | ||
| - | What matters to a user most is what applications are available and how | + | What matters to a user most is what applications are available and how well they run? This is a obviously a tough question and everyone holds an opinion about what's needed and what's good. Let's make a comparision table: '''(This needs work from people familiar with the distributions.)''' |
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" | {| border="1" cellspacing="0" | ||
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* Run Debian in a chroot environment | * Run Debian in a chroot environment | ||
| - | * | + | * All Debian ARM packages are available without porting. |
[http://wiki.debian.org/?PocketWorkstationXQT/] | [http://wiki.debian.org/?PocketWorkstationXQT/] | ||
| - | == Sharp | + | == Sharp Compatibility == |
| - | * | + | * libraries are available to support applications build for the Sharp ROM on other ROMs. |
Current revision
Overview of available software distributions from a user's point of view.
This article is aimed at explaining the different distributions in detail.
- Users new to the Zaurus community should take a look at Introduction to Alternative ROMs.
- Kernels, most people don't compile their own but there are a lot of kernels ready available.
- Dual Booting is somewhat difficult but still possible.
- Recovery details some of the procedures for restoring a Zaurus after a bad installation.
Contents |
Terminology
Any operating system consists of a kernel (Linux in our case) and a file system with user space software (applications). Both are usually stored in the Zaurus internal NAND memory while the user space part can be on a memory card or the C3x00 hard drive as well. People call the combination of a kernel and a read-only file system a ROM for historic reasons. The procedure of installing a new ROM is called flashing.
A convenient way to install additional software are feeds, these are internet sites providing binary packages. Those will be installed to a read-write partition on any form of storage available (internal NAND/HDD, CF/SD, USB key, network).
We'll call the combination of ROM and feed a distribution in this document.
Software compatibility
Zaurus is a Linux PDA after all, so we can port any open source software and mix with whatever distribution we are running, right? Maybe. However (binary) interfaces differ a lot, so don't get too excited about mix and match: it won't match. If a program you want to use is not in your distribution (neither in the ROM nor in a suitable feed) and you want to install it, there's work ahead.
The major issue here is the different kinds of GUIs used. Unless you are a software developer with some free time on your hand you probably want to choose a distribution that suits your needs. This page is to help you with that decision.
pdaXrom, OZ/GPE, debian and pocketworkstation run on top of X. This is what all Linux desktop GUIs use which makes porting software (such as from GNOME) possible but not trivial. OZ/OPIE, Sharp/Qtopia and Cacko use qt/embedded. QT is a free (partly as in speech, partly as in beer) toolkit to write GUIs for windows and X desktops, QT/embedded however differs from regular desktop QT, which again makes porting software (such as from KDE) possible but not trivial.
All the Sharp Zaurus applications are binary compatible across distros, so as long as they don't require a GUI and are command line based, they should work, however, they have different library dependencies which is where the biggest compatibility problem is. Sharp, Cacko and pdaXrom use GLIB 2.2.x whereas PocketWorkstation/Debian and OZ use GLIB 2.3.x. Applications that are not dependent on the latest GLIB features, usually can run on any Zaurus distro.
That said, the binaries may run, however, the package will not install because there are two different package formats for the IPK files as well. Sharp/Cacko and pdaXrom use an older IPK format that is in essence a tgz file containing tgz files. Debian and OZ use a newer format which the ipkg commands in the other distros cannot read and extract. There are tools around to convert between the package formats.
Hardware compatibility
If the distribution does not say it supports your Zaurus model it probably won't work. The hardware differs under the skin.
Common distributions
Sharp ROM
Sharp ships Zaurus initially configured with Trolltech's Qtopia. The software differs slightly from model to model. It's generally considered stable but lacks features found in other distributions.
- uses Qtopia 1.5.4 and Qt/Embedded 2.3.2
- optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment)
- feeds with additional software are available
Crow
Cacko/Crow is a ROM for the SL-5000/5500, placing /home on an MMC or SD card.
Cacko
Cacko is an improved version of Sharp's ROM put together mainly by Anton Maslovsky. Cako means "Jewel" in Russian.
Cacko provides two ROMs, full or light, plus feed. Both offer the same applications if you take the feed into account.
- supports most clamshell models: SL-C7x0/C860/C1000/C3100
- 100% English
- uses Qtopia 1.5.4 just like SharpROM
- optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment)
- Tetsu special kernel
- Based on kernel 2.4.18, Anton back ported many updates and drivers from the later 2.4 kernel
- Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF Bluetooth & WiFi, CF USB host, etc
- supports WiFi networking very well, including WPA (if using a card with hostap drivers)
Cacko uses a compressed file system to store the main file system, and thus is quite space efficient; the downside is there are quite a few symbolic links in the read-write file system into the loopback-mounted cramfs file system in order to allow patching and changes.
tkcROM
An interesting modified Sharp ROM. Certain apps stripped out, available as ipks. Home on SD but with a different method to the Cacko/Crow ROM. Also has recently been given a modified initrd to enable SD cards larger than 2 GB. See Available ROMs for the SL-5x00 also.
pdaXrom
pdaXrom current (r121 and later)
- supports Zaurus SL-C7x0/7500/860, SL-6000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200, C3000 (experimental), x86 PCs, PhyCORE-PXA270
- 100% open source, GNU GPL
- Linux 2.6.x kernel
- X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager but can also use other window managers like xfce, kde, etc...
- crosscompiled desktop applications, not all optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment)
- Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc), SD cards, IR, and USB host/client
pdaXrom beta1/beta3
- supports Zaurus SL-5000D/5500, SL-C7x0/7500/860, SL-6000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200, SL-C3000 (experimental), x86 PCs, PhyCORE-PXA270
- 100% open source, GNU GPL
- Linux 2.4.x kernel
- X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager but can also use other window managers like xfce, kde, etc...
- crosscompiled desktop applications, not all optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment)
- Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc), SD cards, IR, and USB host/client
pdaXii13
- supports Zaurus SL-C3000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200, SL-C7x0/7500/860 (in a limited fashion)
- based on pdaXrom beta1/beta3
- X windows, GTK - use openbox as default window manager and can be easily switched to fluxbox and icewe
- customised desktop applications optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment)
- custom keyboard mappings for both Zaurus keyboard and USB keyboard
- many bug fixes for beta1/beta3
pdaXiiNG
Note: these are planned specs, this doesn't actually exist yet.
- supports Zaurus SL-C3000, SL-C1000/C3100/C3200 (later)
- based on pdaXrom latest rxxx with 2.6.x kernel
- X windows, GTK - use icewm as default window manager
- customised desktop applications optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook like environment)
- custom keyboard mappings for both Zaurus keyboard and USB keyboard
Open Zaurus
Open Zaurus supports all Zaurus models (except SL-A300 which is very rare device). It's the only one distribution with 2.6 kernel for some models.
Many device drivers are included for hardware such as CF cards (bluetooth, wifi, usb host, modems, gps etc). Supports wifi networking very well, including WPA (if using a card with hostap drivers and OZ 3.5.4).
Distribution comes in flavours:
OZ/Bootstrap
- 100% open source
- only console - no GUI at all
OZ/OPIE
- 100% open source replacement for qtopia
- uses qt/embedded
- optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (PDA like environment)
OZ/GPE
- 100% open source
- uses X windows, GTK
- optimized for Zaurus screen resolution (notebook/PDA like environment)
Ångström
- spelled Angstrom with °A=Å und "o=ö
- future of Open Zaurus.
Hentges
- based on Open Zaurus and maintained by Matthias Hentges
- Uses the Open Zaurus feeds
- installs and preconfigures many of the most popular applications
- Hentges website
Debian
There are several variants of Debian that can be run on Zaurus.
- Use familiar Debian concepts.
- Instant access to 15000 binary packages compiled for your ARM processor from tons of Debian mirrors worldwide
- Other advantages/disadvantages are not clear yet (more experienced people should add details).
See Debian/Zaurus.
Applications
What matters to a user most is what applications are available and how well they run? This is a obviously a tough question and everyone holds an opinion about what's needed and what's good. Let's make a comparision table: (This needs work from people familiar with the distributions.)
| legend | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| default (usually on basic ROM) | available on extended/special ROM | package available in (main) feed | package available indirectly (through X/qt or Sharp-compat or additional feed) | unsure |
| Sharp | Cacko v1.23 | pdaXrom | OZ/OPIE | OZ/GPE | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Get even more
X/qt
- Using this X server running on top of qt/embedded you can use any X application provided it is compatible (ie. glibc compatible)
- Sharp, Cacko, Crow? and OZ/OPIE ROMs
PocketWorkstation
- Run Debian in a chroot environment
- All Debian ARM packages are available without porting.
Sharp Compatibility
- libraries are available to support applications build for the Sharp ROM on other ROMs.

