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An Overview Of Linuxs Relationship With The IPod-Part2
...... of listening to music on long trips.
Another feature of Podzilla is the File Browser. This function allows you to see all of the files on the iPod, even the hidden ones. It can also display GIF, JPEG, and BMG files in black and white. This is a feature that earlier generations of iPod did not have. Surely, it doesn't turn it into an iPod photo, but it can be useful for looking at diagrams and other simple drawings. Since images are displayed with 2-bit grayscale, those with a lot of contrast will look better on the Podzilla than those with subtle color distinctions. Podzilla can display text files as well.
Installing the iPodLinux operating system on your iPod does not delete the Apple firmware that comes installed on the iPod. Both operating systems can co-exist on the iPod without any trouble. It is possible to re-boot the iPod in either system if you wish.
The iPod-Linux project is an open source project, which means that the source code is published and made available to the public. Anyone can copy, modify, and redistribute the source code without paying fees or royalties. One of the things that makes open source successful is that it is a community effort. One of the cons is that enhancements may not happen as frequently and the software may be buggy.
iPodLinux has some great nice to have features, but is still working on perfecting the Podzilla’s ability to play music as well as Apple's firmware. Songs don't play at the same quality and can sometimes skip. If you attempt to play a game while listening to a song, the song will stop. It's not a big problem as you can easily switch between the operating systems to play games and listen to music.
Linux developers are constantly working to improve the iPodLinux software. Developments are underway to provide the capability to watch video on 4th Generation iPods and to allow Game Boy games to be played on the iPod as well. Since Apple is not a part of the effort, the developers are figuring out how to make these enhancements through a little reverse engineering and a lot of trial and error.
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