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.
