It is loosely based on the Debian ARM distribution, but uses the ipkg package manager.[3] It contained Python and XFree86.[4]
History
In May 2000, Alexander Guy took a kernel that had been worked on by Compaq programmers, built a complete Linux distribution around it, and released the first version of Familiar (v0.1).
It was developed as part of the Handhelds.org project.[3]
Reception
According to a 2004 review by IBM developerWorks, Familiar Linux needed more polish and "could gain mass acceptance if a dual-boot procedure were made possible".[6]