First of all, thanks to everyone in the forum. I just got an SL-C1000 in eBay, and I have used this forum for a long time to read on different aspects of these wonderful machines.
My question is: Why hasn't anyone focused on creating a fully read-only ROM? When I say read-only I am referring to a rom that doesn't write to flash memory, similar to how a Live CD works with respect to your hard drive by default.
I am convinced that this would be a very worthy addition to the stable of ROM/OSes for the Zaurus. The problem as I see it right now is that the limited amount of Flash RAM, combined with frequent write operations, as well as the limited amount of read-write cycles on this type of memory, put a limit on the longevity of your Zaurus.
I think this could be implemented in 2 different ways:
1. Actually implement read-only on flash memory by disabling writing of log files, preferences files, flash-stored application preference and configuration files, etc. That is, disable write operations targeted to flash RAM. I don't know if this is feasible or desirable.
2. Reroute write operations to SD media (preferably over CF media.) This would mean using a SD card as if it were built-in, with the advantage of being able to perform copies/backups to other SD card, and being able to replace it when the flash memory wears out.
I know there has been a lot of debate about whether such concerns are legitimate or not, but I believe that achieving a completely read-only ROM (at least from the point of view of the built-in NAND area) would put a lot of minds to rest, and likely improve the longevity of our Zaurii.