Debian

Maemo OS is built mostly on Debian. Hence, it is quite possible to run Debian on Maemo based devices. Here’s how:

Prerequisites :

• The Bundyo-Benson-Build – download here.
• 1.3 GB free on one of your memory cards (this includes the built-in 2GB on the N810). After installation, it goes down to 1 GB.
• Internet connection on your phone.

Instructions :

• Open Application Manager.
• Install the easy-deb-chroot package you’ve just downloaded.
• Click on the Debian chroot icon and type in the following code –  apt-get install localepurge; localepurge
• Run the Debian Image Installer from your Extras menu.
• The actual image file will start downloading.
• Installation will begin automatically
• Reboot your phone when you get the congratulation message.

That’s all there is to it. It’s quite easy to follow if you keep the following warnings in mind:

• DO NOT fall short on memory space. 1.3 GB is a bare minimum. Keep more space free if you can.
• This is Debian that you are running on a Mobile device. It’s expected of it to under-perform. Some apps like iceweasel lag a lot.

Tested on : N900, N810, N800

Problems : Don’t try it directly on OS2008. Upgrade or downgrade to a different OS first and then install debian.