Alright, So it took me some time to finally realize what rootfs is and why it's such a big issue, then later found out i was using 96% yikes. So after about an hour of searching the forums, i decided to backup my files (using the pre-installed Backup app) and just reflash my firmware and start from scratch.
The process was a breeze thankfully. But what worries me is that after a firmware reinstall, before installing any more apps or anything, i checked and the usage went down to only 62%
Am i missing something? Shouldn't a firmware reinstall almost empty it out? I was expecting maybe 20% to 30%... but 62%? really? Is this normal or am i really missing something here. Please advise

Other notes:
Backup feature is AWESOME! The one thing i was worried about is that after reinstalling the firmware i would have to rearrange all my icons on the desktop and change all my settings again... however after restoring from the backup file i created it all went back to the way it was. It even popped up a list of all the programs i had installed earlier and allowed me to choose which ones to reinstall. Beautiful.

I think someone should compile a guide for all the maemo/linux newcomers to the forums. I'm guessing a lot of n900 owners like myself are new to linux and would like to at least know the basics just to understand what other experienced people are talking about. Just my two cents.

yeah 60 to 62% is right. Mine is currently at 76% with minimal installation using root. I dont know how to clean the root but if you do the device will be a brick.

Gotta bare with it until NOKIA fix this.

The rootfs is a measly 256MB. It has the entire operating system and all out of the box applications. You expect all of that to fit in 20% of 256MB?

After the first software update, some of that may be moved to th 32GB internal drive.
Have you been to http://wiki.maemo.org/ ?

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

Well turns out my knowledge of rootfs wasn't complete, i did not know all of the entire operating system was on the chip, but rather just some essential files and such. Then yeah, it makes sense to occupy that much space. Thanks for clearing that up.

And no, haven't been to the wiki page, Thanks for that, too.

yeah 60 to 62% is right. Mine is currently at 76% with minimal installation using root. I dont know how to clean the root but if you do the device will be a brick.

i agree.
finding out specific info on this forum about the rootfs is not easy, it does seem any "noob" type questions get answered with "if you dont know what your doing, then dont play"
i've been lurking a while, trying to learn about my new n900 but have been worried about the response to my "noob" questions so have not bothered asking any.

A lot of the Maemo basics are Debian. The discussions of rootfs are really beyond the norm for basic users. If you want to learn the file system then I would sugest starting with a Debian tutorial. Something to try starting: Debian Basics

Baron von bubba: I have not run across this attitude and instead find this growing community friendly and welcoming. Would you mind emailing links to questions treated in this manner so I can visit those threads and try to provide assistance.

Also, feel free to email your own questions and Ill reply privately to the best of my ability.

The N900 is introducing many newcomers to the exciting world of Open Source and GNU/Linux, the experience should be warm and pleasant.