Here are some frequently and not so frequently asked questions

Why use Knoppix for an embedded systems of all things?

Ease of maintenance

It is better to follow a mainstream distribution in the embedded world also, especially when building a custom embedded platform. Knoppix being based on Debian, has access to constant upgrades and bug fixes of Debian distribution. This will help to maintain Knoppix much easier.

Wide range of packages to select from

Debian has one of the largest collection of packages in any distribution. Basing the distribution on Debian enables the embedded systems architect to select the right amounts of packages for a particular application.

Security updates on a timely manner.

Since the distribution is based on Debian Security patches and upgrades are available in a timely manner. This has added emphasis when the device is a security related one like IDS or a firewall.

So why not use Debian as such?

Lots of cruft

A standard Debian distribution has lots of stuff which is not relevant in embedded world, like man pages and documents. This tends to increase the amount of hard disk space required for the distribution, which is a premium in a embedded device. Thus may not fit in a small space of embedded device.

Ok, then what are the advantages of Knoppix

Runs from compressed file system

One of the most important advantage of Knoppix is that it runs from a compressed file system. The full system resides in a single file which is compressed. So the space in the device flash ROM is used optimally.

Unwanted cruft can be removed

Images are generated using a script which can remove unwanted directories and files before generating images. This can lead to dramatic reduction of image file size.

What type of devices are you targeting.

x86 based devices running from flash or Disk-On-Module

We are testing and developing emKnoppix for a x86 based device single board computer running from a 96 MB Disk on Module. But it should not be much difficult to port this to other architectures also.