The OpenZaurus project was created as an alternative ROM image for the Sharp Zaurus Personal Mobile Tool. 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. Shortly after this, it was revamped completely. OpenZaurus is now a debian based embedded distribution built from source, from the ground up. Given its debian 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 ROM images. More info at http://www.openzaurus.org/