@alexh,
Yes, Lockon_15 suggested this the moment I got my new hard drive and I am now giving it a thought. With a CF card I think I could build the environment I want using an Emulator on the PC and then try it out on the A500+ right? or?
I have a non-working hard drive (not GVP). The hard disk is dead but all the rest seems fine. Maybe I can try this on that hard drive

Are there any good links on how this can be done?
I would still need to connect my A500+ to the PC in some way or another in order to be able to browse the internet. I prefer a wireless alternative but seems impossible to get without an accelerator card so I guess I'll wait until I get one.