Thanks to anyone brave enough to answer this.

[BD iiiiii]

Hi
I'm a real newbie here (unlike some 'newbies who talk about ipk/dev/bin/usr stuff that I totally do not have a clue what they're talking about). My question is simple but I have searched from the beginning of this NewbieIssues forum to here and can't seem to get a grasp on it.

Namely; If Sharp has the latest "SL-5500 v3 Zaurus OS and Synchronization Upgrade" what is the deal with ROM - OpenZaurus - Operating System - Putty SSH - zmame binary file -CACKO/CROW - Opie - Kernel - Pre1 - cross compiler - gunzip kismet-zaurus-arm-2.4.6.tar.gz - aaaaaaahhhh.........

I am so lost!!   What in the world does all this mean? Do you need one before the other? Is ROM seperate from, say, OZ? Is OZ an OS a ROM or both? Does flashing ROM mean reinstalling the operating system? Do you have to be careful to match up ROMs with everthing else you've got on your Zaurus? People say you need a CF card to do an upgrade but Sharp instructions say just do it with the Dock. eh? I must be a real bozo. I'm not getting any of this.

I have used DOS from v2.11 to v6.0 and Windows from v2.0 to WinXP Pro spanning 20 years. I program in BASIC (VB6 currently).

I don't have my Zaurus yet, but I'm beginning to think I will go nuts trying to get it to work.

Setup for this post:
Sharp Zaurus SL-5500, new from an online dealer (yet to arrive).
Whatever software/firmware that comes with it.
Want to upgrade to "v3 Zaurus OS and Synchronization Upgrade" from the Sharp site when I get the Zaurus, but am clueless as to whether this is a one-way street, no turning back kind of thing - or what?  

Thanks brave sole(s)

[Miami_Bob]

Hello  & welcome. Don't feel alone in being confused (G).

First -

 << My question is simple  >>

Nope. Questions - plural. MANY questions in your post. Keep this in mind.


 << I am so lost!!  What in the world does all this mean? >>

Remember trying to learn a new language? Same thing. Words. Jargon. Start by searching on *one* of your key words then reading the threads that come up. Don't even attempt to understand it all at once. Let it work in the back brain as you read.

 <<  People say you need a CF card to do an upgrade but Sharp instructions say just do it with the Dock. eh? >>

Take this for an example. If you have read the fora a while then you should have noticed that there are several different types of Zaurus. The clamshell types (C700, C750, C860) do not HAVE docking stations. So they usually flash upgrade the system from a card (CF or SD). Once you have that bit of data firmly in mind, it starts to become obvious that these apparent contradictions (in this case) are due to folks using one term (Zaurus) for different hardware.

 << I must be a real bozo. I'm not getting any of this. >>

Nope. Just an otherwise experienced computer user at the foot of a new learning curve. Take it slow & simplify your questions. Browse & read the old threads. Give things time to make some sense (G).

ROM
Kernel
IPKG
OZ
Kismet

Don't try to figure EVERYTHING out at once. Read the threads related to the terms (even if they don't make sense at first).

Now - take a deep breath, calm your mind & ask the first question (singular, now) that is most on your "want to know" list (G).

We all been there.

[freizugheit]

Welcome on board by dediciing on Zaurus.

From your DOS and Windows background, I will recommend you to hold back to upgrade to OZ and all others  until you are familiar with Unix operation.   My next advice is to gain knowledge in Unix administration and networking skills.

Remember to carry out regular backup, i.e. you need high capacity SD or CF memory card.

Play around with the standard PIM and download freewares that are meant for the original Sharp ROM from http://killefiz.de/zaurus/.

Pose your question here as newbie, there are a lot of forumers who are willing to guide and help you through.

[Fraggy]

I do agree with freizugheit.

For a Win/DOS person (if I may state it like that), you are entering a new world where you have much more choices, and they are confusing.

Don't worry about installing new OSses on your Zaurus, just use it with the OS it comes with: it will suit you very well for quite a long time!!!!!!

Alongside with playing with your Zaurus in its "Factory Settings", you should start to experiment with Linux on a Desktop computer... Use it together with Windows in Dual boot (Linux on a separate partition), or run Linux under VMWare, or use PHAT Linux (is the simplest option for the Linux newbie).

This way you'll get a little feeling what Linux is all about

While experimenting with Linux on a normal PC: if you find out that you really like Linux, and discover that you even like to fiddle around with the "difficult stuff", then you can fully enjoy the Linux capabilities of the Zaurus, and you will automatically try to install every "distribution" you can get your hands on and even make your own if you wish. For now, don't worry about it.

On the other hand, if you discover all that techy stuff is not to your likings, then simply keep the OS you got out of the box and you'll just enjoy the Zaurus as a powerfull and stable organizer.

[BD iiiiii]

Hi to Miami_Bob, and others (freizugheit) and those who have read orig. post but haven't had time to respond yet. (Just found Fraggy's post. Very insightful, thanks!).

M_B, your reply was very thoughtful and helped immensly to calm my fears. Advice from a seasoned 'Uncle' you might say.

As you probably guessed, I left out detailed question specifics in order to give an idea of how confused I was/am. OK, here goes.

The final package that I am hoping for is:
SL-5500
SMC SM2642W Wireless CF
Socket EA2912-325 10/100BaseT/TX CF
Socket MO7000-324 56K Modem CF
Lexar 256MB 12X CF
Kingston 256MB SD
GPS - CF or Serial
Targus PDA IR Universal Keyboard

To perform:
* Wired and wireless browsing of websites (via existing home-based WLAN).
* Keep a searchable db of an existing PIM db ported to the Zaurus via CSV format. (no real need to sync as my PIM db is too valuable to risk corruption).
* GPS map display.
* Some video playback would be nice.
* Manage files (a MS Windows Explorer work-alike).
* Edit/manipulate text (a MS Write/Wordpad work-alike - full blown Word not important).
* Bring over ubiquitous file types like .jpg, .wav, .mpg, .mid, .htm, .ram, .pdf, etc., so as to view/hear them.
* Remote Desktop Connection to my WinXP PC. (gasp! Oh if only I could...).

It was while compiling the above wish-list that I started to notice a giant web of interrelated links all of which, in one way or another, referenced at least one of the following: OpenZaurus, ipk or ipkg, .tgz, .gz, ROM, kernel, mount, and so on.

Now I am not asking anyone to lead me by the hand and explain any of this. I just have an intense nagging premonition. That the foundation makes the building. That if I choose typeX ROM, or typeY OS, or typeZ software suite, I'll render my ability to cross-over to another type, later on, a sure-fire fiasco. One where I'll exclaim "uh-oh, I should have gone with xyz instead, because now I have to completely start over and get everything working again from square one" (feeling of butterflies begins in stomach).

Seriously. Are there predictable forks in the road, where a decision is later found to be "good" or "bad". Or am I being way too intimidated?

Thank you for your kind advice.

p.s. Fraggy went a long way in explaining the overall tenor that my approach should adhere to. Many thanks Fraggy.

[Guest]

Have you looked at

http://www.zaurususergroup.com/modules.php...20the%20SL-5x00

[Laze]

First of all read this http://www.lysator.liu.se/~forsberg/linux/ and also this http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/toc.html for a introduction to linux.

Now a couple of quick explanations:
ROM(s) - Basically another operating system for the Zaurus - like on the Windows platform, Windows 98, XP and 2000 - installed by flashing.

Flash/Reflash - to install a new ROM on the Zaurus. Most people flash/reflash using a SD/CF card instead of the "docking" reflash that Sharp offers. Also the Clamshell models (C7x0 and C8x0 doesn't have a docking station).

IPKG - A program used to pack new programs - like a windows installer program - think of the IPKG program like the "Control panel->Add or remove programs" from windows. It often also refered to as the Package manager. A large program collection can be found on http://killefiz.de/zaurus/

Filename.ipkg - a file that can be "read" into the IPKG and installed, instead of the new program packages on Zaurus can "started" (like running installer.exe on windows) - they can be opened used IPKG and letting the IPKG installer manager them

Filename.tar.gz - a "packaged" file - similar to filename.zip for the Windows - these files are normal used for files that can just be copied to the zaurus and run without the need for IPKG. Filename.tar.gz is the "standard" packing format for Linux and therefore many things made on Linux are packed in that format. WinZip on windows can open these files so you can look inside them (Actually the Filename.ipkg files are also files packed as tar.gz - but that just to confuse you :-)

OpenZaurus(OZ) is a whole "new" operating system(ROM) very similiar in feel & look to the default Sharp ROM - the OZ system of has alot of improvements above the default Sharp ROM but until you get a litte more experienced you should probally stick with the one that comes preinstalled on the Zaurus.

Kismet - a tool for "sniffing" wireless network traffic and find open wireless networks - not needed for any of the things you list.

Kernel - kinda hard to explain, think of it MS-DOS that lies under Windows - of course not as "simple" as that. The kernel is the "core" part of the system and everything else is "built" on top of it.

To perform:
* Wired and wireless browsing of websites (via existing home-based WLAN).
* Keep a searchable db of an existing PIM db ported to the Zaurus via CSV format. (no real need to sync as my PIM db is too valuable to risk corruption).
* GPS map display.
* Some video playback would be nice.
* Manage files (a MS Windows Explorer work-alike).
* Edit/manipulate text (a MS Write/Wordpad work-alike - full blown Word not important).
* Bring over ubiquitous file types like .jpg, .wav, .mpg, .mid, .htm, .ram, .pdf, etc., so as to view/hear them.
* Remote Desktop Connection to my WinXP PC. (gasp! Oh if only I could...).

The software/rom/operating system that comes preinstalled with the 5500 can do most of this with some addionational software installed (read above under IPKG) - most the "extra software" can be found on http://killefiz.de/zaurus/

The following is not included in the Sharp Default:
* Keep a searchable db of an existing PIM db ported to the Zaurus via CSV format. (no real need to sync as my PIM db is too valuable to risk corruption).
- Don't think there is an export CSV function.

* GPS map display.
- Search killefiz

* Some video playback would be nice.
- Sharp defaults media player isn't the best on the market - i think the best one for the Zaurus 5500 is http://drzvideo.palmpalm.com/

* Bring over ubiquitous file types like .jpg, .wav, .mpg, .mid, .htm, .ram, .pdf, etc., so as to view/hear them.
- http://killefiz.de/zaurus/showdetail.php?app=1228 , http://killefiz.de/zaurus/showdetail.php?app=1129

[BD iiiiii]

It's me, newbie again.
------------------------------------
Adding a note of thanks here to Laze for your really helpful reply. The compendium of terms and explanations is beautiful. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will make great use of it. Running head-on into Linux from Windows is jarring. Some things are familiar though, like kernel. The thing that is most confusing is "ROM" in the Zaurus sense, and "ROM" in the PC sense. PC ROM is what holds the BIOS and structures it (handles all motherboard parameters). On the PC, ROM is not really related to the OS, e.g. you can put many types of Operating Systems on a PC and the ROM doesn't change. I see now that on the Zaurus the OS is part of the ROM, like on the first PC - the Radio Shack TRS-80, and also the Commodore PET (right?  ). The question below was written before Laze's reply but I'll leave it in.
------------------------------------

Thanks Guest, for your link.

Question:
The new **SL-5500 v3 Zaurus OS and Synchronization Upgrade** (AKA v3 upgrade) at www.myzaurus.com seems to be an All-In-One package that has many enhancements to the standard SL5500 software plus the latest ROM. If that is correct, do I need to deal with any of the FlashROM update sequence as spelled out at >  http://www.zaurususergroup.com/modules.php...ing%20The%20ROM

Thanks for your guidance.

[Laze]

Actually the term ROM is wrong/misleading - a ROM (read only memory) is normally (as you state) a kinda BIOS or Chipset settings (like the Amiga ROM or similar) - the term has be misused for many different things, like most people say they have many ROMs for UAE - they actually mean disc images (ADF) and similar misuses has been seen.

Actually the ROM term on the Zaurus just covers "everything included to update" your system file. For example the "ROM" download for our ROM pdaXrom contains 3 files that need to flashed into. So the ROM term is wrong - you don't referer to the different Linux distros as ROMs. The ROM is everything the developers decide to include but normally its a different kernel and GUI.

The new **SL-5500 v3 Zaurus OS and Synchronization Upgrade** (AKA v3 upgrade) at www.myzaurus.com seems to be an All-In-One package that has many enhancements to the standard SL5500 software plus the latest ROM. If that is correct, do I need to deal with any of the FlashROM update sequence as spelled out at > http://www.zaurususergroup.com/modules.php...ing%20The%20ROM

Just follow the http://www.myzaurus.com/ROMupdate5.asp and don't think about anything else - the ROM found there is currently the newest ROM for the 5500 and many things have been fixed and improved. After a couple of months you will probally be "interested" in flashing another ROM just for the kicks and fun of seeing what they look like :-) and later you are going to be looking for a clamshell model and ... then the vicous circle continues and the next thing you know everytime you see someone running Windows you yell "STUPID,STUPID,STUPID,STUPID,STUPID,STUPID MICROSOFT!!!! Let me show you how to install Linux..."  

[lardman]

Remote Desktop Connection to my WinXP PC. (gasp! Oh if only I could...)

You can.

Search for rdesktop (and qtrdesktop I think), it certainly works on OZ, it is also supposed to work on the Sharp ROMs. For OZ the necessary files are all in the feed.


Si

[ScottYelich]

I think you will go crazy.

Question -- have you thought about a wince pda?  why try a linux pda?

if you want to try a linux pda, perhaps try linux first -- vmware + redhat, etc.

The links and info Laze gave are pretty good -- but *nothing* compares to actually
doing it.

vmware is one of the safest ways to play with different operating sytems.  You have
virtually no way to hurt things (pun intended).

Scott

[BD iiiiii]

I went with SL-5500 because of 1) Price, and 2) Built-in keyboard. I thought (note past tense) that Linux had more in common as to file/disk management syntax with Microsoft, and that I'd see little difference in the command line "front end". Not  

Many thanks to Laze (very pithy stuff), lardman (I'll try the RDC and leave a post as to outcome), and Scott.

I can now set forth boldly... says he  

Damm the torpedos, Linux, here I come.   Splattt.

[Fraggy]

You're welcome, BD iiiiii

I don't have the time neither to read the many new posts, neither to give an answer to all things BD iiiiii wants to perform, but I'd like to give a quick answer on

* Remote Desktop Connection to my WinXP PC. (gasp! Oh if only I could...).

Not only is this possible, but for this you have different possibilities... And both ways as a matter of fact: you can remote control your Zaurus from your PC and vice versa.

I would use VNC (Virtual Network Computing) as I have the most experience with it (and it is platform independent, so you can remote * ANY * computer system you like), but there are also other apps with similar functionality.

VNC uses TCP/IP, so you can even remote over the internet, although performance is better when the connection is local of course.
(as a matter of fact, it performs just great over LAN!!!!)

I'll read the posts more in detail later   and give more details...

[lardman]

I don't have the time neither to read the many new posts, neither to give an answer to all things BD iiiiii wants to perform, but I'd like to give a quick answer on
QUOTE
* Remote Desktop Connection to my WinXP PC. (gasp! Oh if only I could...).


Not only is this possible, but for this you have different possibilities... And both ways as a matter of fact: you can remote control your Zaurus from your PC and vice versa.

I would use VNC (Virtual Network Computing) as I have the most experience with it (and it is platform independent, so you can remote * ANY * computer system you like), but there are also other apps with similar functionality.

VNC uses TCP/IP, so you can even remote over the internet, although performance is better when the connection is local of course.
(as a matter of fact, it performs just great over LAN!!!!)

VNC certainly works well, but rdesktop also works and requires no (extra) software on your XP machine - it used the remote desktop spftware which is built in.

I think you will go crazy.

Question -- have you thought about a wince pda? why try a linux pda?

if you want to try a linux pda, perhaps try linux first -- vmware + redhat, etc.

I had never used Linux before buying my 5500 (bar a bit of FORTRAN in UNIX) - it's a great motivator to learn if nothing else. I installed Mandrake as a dual boot on my PC when I got my Z to try and learn some more. Never looked back ;-)


Si

[Miami_Bob]

DB iiiiii

Since you have been using computers a while, you have certainly heard this mantra before, but it still doesn't hurt repeating -

BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP!

Particularly before you get into "flash frenzy" or trying funky applications. Trust me on this one! (G)

For backups, a suitable storage card (& reader for your desktop - laptop) is useful.

I don't have experience with the 5x00 series, but the C860 ALWAYS finds some way to remind me to backup frequently when I forget (G).

BTW - I had dabbled with Linux for some time but never had a real motivation to LEARN it till I got my C860 early this year. You should get some good basic reference books on the topic.

In some ways, Linux resembles DOS & its descendents. LS instead of DIR, CLEAR instead of CLS, so forth. In other ways, very different. No drive letters, rather *devices* that can be dynamically mounted & unmounted, takes a bit to adjust to.

Different Linux distributions have subtle differences, one from another. Then, the Zs themselves have jargon & odd quirks all their own.

You have a lot of experience to draw on here in the ZUG. Don't be hesitant to ask questions. Be as specific as you can about hardware & software. Its hard to answer a query when the person doesn't say which type of Z they are talking about, or what OS they are running under, or .... you get the picture (G).

However, once you have your Z in hand, you will enjoy the hell out of the learning, I'll bet!

As far as "a seasoned uncle", well, I can confess to being experienced in several flavors of CPM, being able to code 8080 & Z80 assembler, having made a disk drive walk off a table, soldered discrete components, set off the halon, dropped card decks & patching paper tape. Among other numerous sins of youth (G). Further deponent sayeth naught. (G)