zipit linux help/new to embedded linux

hi,iam kinda new to the world of linux embedded,and would like too learn more on how to install it/port it too different architectures.the device i would like to experiment on is that zipit z2 instant messenger unit that actually allready runs linux.i would like to learn how to port different versions of linux onto it.i couldnt really find a book about linux embedded and how too install stuff like that.i also want too learn how too write the flash memory.any online help in the right direction would be great.thanks

Hi,

I don't have any link in mind (I think google + linux + embedded would do a better job than me)... But I have made from scratch some embedded systems based on linux, it's really easy if:

-you understand the linux organization (what's where),
-you know how its booting process works (rc.d and friends),
-you know how to boot on a ramdisk, and use it as / (distro generally boot on ramdisk, but then chroot to / on hard drive).
-if you have to deal deeply with the kernel (not just compiling it): "http://lwn.net/Kernel/LDD3/"
-Using busybox to have a minimal shell and set of commands for your system.

After all, an "embedded linux" it's just an simplified linux...