Sotware Compatibility in ZAURUS

[patwwh]

I am a newbie and want to ask a stupid question:

1. I heard before that all softwares runs on Desktop Linux can run in
    Zaurus, after re-compiling. Is it right?

2. Also, is there any Virtual Memory concept in Zaurus?
    i.e. using CF or SD card as memory. so that to save main memory.
THX!!

[Mickeyl]

1.) Hmm... where did you hear that?
Yes, provided you can get all dependencies (libraries, drivers, and sometimes even hardware) running. Which means \'No\' in a large number of cases

2.) Don\'t mix terms. Virtual Memory is a concept every sophisticated operating system has. You probably mean Swap Memory to extend the amount of available virtual memory. Yes, this is possible though rarely needed.

[patwwh]

THX!

For the first question, how about if I install Debian / Red-Hat into Zaurus (replace OZ)? Is it then possible to use their software after re-compiling?

[ScottYelich]

um.. be careful.

if you understand an OS and resources...
different zaurus models have different resources.

some have 320x240 screens... some have 640x480.  some have 32 mb ram, some have 64 mb ram.

The device *is* based on linux.  Other devices that are not based on linux have had linux \"adapted\" for them.
in that sense, both devices are \"linux\" devices... the zaurus is just linux by design.

With that said, can you run everything? maybe, maybe not.  For instance, you *could* probably run anything with
the proper libs, mem resources, etc... but would you want to?  Also, the CPU is a resource -- it *is* limited in its
power.

Overall, I treat the zaurus c7x0 devices as mini laptops.  Do they have pcmcia cards? no.  3d accl graphics? no.
windows? no.  But I don\'t need that.  

What are you looking to do?

Scott

[Anonymous]

I use Spreadsheet very offen, which is extremely important to me.

Sometimes I need to open a Spreadsheet of 10MB. I tried to open it in Pocket PC before but fail, even in a 128MB model. I guess it should not be memory problem, but system ability (Pocket Windows or Pocket Office).

Therefore, I want to buy a Zaurus now, because I think Open Linux is a complete OS (not simplified) and has enough ability for open this large file. If fail, I want to install an original Hancom Office to Zaurus, rather than Hancom Mobile Office, which should be more stable and more powerful for using.

I know......It is my dream. ^o^
I understand the hardware limitation of PDA, but I really hate the inability of Pocket PC in handling large file after 2 years experiences.

[khim]

Sometimes I need to open a Spreadsheet of 10MB. I tried to open it in Pocket PC before but fail, even in a 128MB model. I guess it should not be memory problem, but system ability (Pocket Windows or Pocket Office).

It is memory problem. 128Mb is full size of memory available to device. If you are trying to compare power of modern PDA with power of PC then compare it with something like 8Mb RAM, 160MB HDD, 200MHz Pentium processor (quite powerfull system of 5-6 years ago). If you\'ll try to open 10Mb spreadsheet on such a system you\'ll expirience major problems. Just like with PDA today. Now, you can add 4Gb HDD to Zaurus, install X system there (C7xx models) and treat it as more-or-less powerfull supermininotebook. No problems with 10-20Mb spreadsheets. Is it possible ? Absolutely. Is it supported \"out of the box\" ? Absolutely not!

[havoc]

Setting up swap was no big deal for me, but I\'m hardly new to Linux.

Here\'s my documentation for setting up swap.
http://www.galacticslacker.com/perl-bin/re...20card&expand=3

Required:
 - knowing your way around Linux
 - fdisk (find it at killfilez)
 - stable, reliable SD card (you can find my notes in the parent folder of the one above.)

My HOWTO uses a swap partition.  Some people prefer a swap file.  I would be happy to modify the HOWTO to include swap file instructions if someone would go through my HOWTO and shoot me clear notes on what needs to be added.