hi all:
I am involved in a mini-project that is to build a solid state computer (mini-ITX based) that will feature read-only medium. we have chosen compact flash for its relatively cheap cost and larger compacity. and due to the phyiscal limitations of the setup, we cannot use the popular USB-flash sticks that come with a write-protect switch, we have to stick with a CompactFlash-to-IDE converter.
it would be really nice if we could somehow protect the data on the Compact Flash on a physical layer. we have thought about mounting the Compact Flash read-only, but that doesn't protect the data on the Compact Flash to be modified if someone gained super-user access to this machine.
i am wondering if it is feasible to short a few pins in the standard IDE cable, so that the write signal does not get passed onto the Compact Flash card. has anyone attempted similar solutions? i would really appreciate any pointers and suggestions.
Thanks in advance.