diff --git a/82802ab.c b/82802ab.c
index 5e5b1a5..9bbee8d 100644
--- a/82802ab.c
+++ b/82802ab.c
@@ -49,23 +49,23 @@
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
 #if 0
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 #endif
 
-	*bios = 0xff;
+	writeb(0xff, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*bios = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
 	/* Leave ID mode */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
@@ -84,25 +84,25 @@
 	uint8_t status;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*bios = 0x70;
-	if ((*bios & 0x80) == 0) {	// it's busy
-		while ((*bios & 0x80) == 0) ;
+	writeb(0x70, bios);
+	if ((readb(bios) & 0x80) == 0) {	// it's busy
+		while ((readb(bios) & 0x80) == 0) ;
 	}
 
-	status = *bios;
+	status = readb(bios);
 
 	// put another command to get out of status register mode
 
-	*bios = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
 	// this is needed to jam it out of "read id" mode
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	return status;
 }
@@ -115,23 +115,23 @@
 	uint8_t status;
 
 	// clear status register
-	*bios = 0x50;
+	writeb(0x50, bios);
 	//printf("Erase at %p\n", bios);
 	// clear write protect
 	//printf("write protect is at %p\n", (wrprotect));
 	//printf("write protect is 0x%x\n", *(wrprotect));
-	*(wrprotect) = 0;
+	writeb(0, wrprotect);
 	//printf("write protect is 0x%x\n", *(wrprotect));
 
 	// now start it
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios) = 0x20;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios) = 0xd0;
+	writeb(0x20, bios);
+	writeb(0xd0, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	// now let's see what the register is
 	status = wait_82802ab(flash->virtual_memory);
 	//print_82802ab_status(status);
 	for (j = 0; j < flash->page_size; j++) {
-		if (*(bios + j) != 0xFF) {
+		if (readb(bios + j) != 0xFF) {
 			printf("BLOCK ERASE failed at 0x%x\n", offset);
 			return -1;
 		}
@@ -162,8 +162,8 @@
 
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
 		/* transfer data from source to destination */
-		*dst = 0x40;
-		*dst++ = *src++;
+		writeb(0x40, dst);
+		writeb(*src++, dst++);
 		wait_82802ab(bios);
 	}
 }
diff --git a/am29f040b.c b/am29f040b.c
index fbe435b..78f417f 100644
--- a/am29f040b.c
+++ b/am29f040b.c
@@ -25,12 +25,12 @@
 static __inline__ int erase_sector_29f040b(volatile uint8_t *bios,
 					   unsigned long address)
 {
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0x80;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + address) = 0x30;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + address);
 
 	sleep(2);
 
@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@
 			printf("0x%08lx", (unsigned long)dst -
 			       (unsigned long)bios);
 
-		*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-		*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-		*(bios + 0x555) = 0xA0;
-		*dst++ = *src++;
+		writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+		writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+		writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x555);
+		writeb(*src++, dst++);
 
 		/* wait for Toggle bit ready */
 		toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
@@ -72,14 +72,14 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x555);
 
-	id1 = *bios;
-	id2 = *(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
-	*bios = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
@@ -94,12 +94,12 @@
 {
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0x80;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0x10;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x10, bios + 0x555);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
diff --git a/en29f002a.c b/en29f002a.c
index c70b37b..41dac7f 100644
--- a/en29f002a.c
+++ b/en29f002a.c
@@ -35,19 +35,19 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x555);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x100);
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x101);
+	id1 = readb(bios + 0x100);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x101);
 
 	/* exit by writing F0 anywhere? or the code below */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x555);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x\n", __FUNCTION__, id1, id2);
 
@@ -68,19 +68,19 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x555);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x100);
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x101);
+	id1 = readb(bios + 0x100);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x101);
 
 	/* exit by writing F0 anywhere? or the code below */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x555);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%x, id2 0x%x\n", __FUNCTION__, id1, id2);
 
@@ -107,10 +107,10 @@
 		/* write to the sector */
 		if ((i & 0xfff) == 0)
 			printf("address: 0x%08lx", (unsigned long)i);
-		*(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-		*(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-		*(bios + 0x5555) = 0xA0;
-		*dst++ = *buf++;
+		writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+		writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+		writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x5555);
+		writeb(*buf++, dst++);
 
 		/* wait for Toggle bit ready */
 		toggle_ready_jedec(dst);
diff --git a/flash.h b/flash.h
index 3985c60..b33e133 100644
--- a/flash.h
+++ b/flash.h
@@ -58,6 +58,36 @@
   #define INL  inl
 #endif
 
+static inline void writeb(uint8_t b, volatile void *addr)
+{
+	*(volatile uint8_t *) addr = b;
+}
+
+static inline void writew(uint16_t b, volatile void *addr)
+{
+	*(volatile uint16_t *) addr = b;
+}
+
+static inline void writel(uint32_t b, volatile void *addr)
+{
+	*(volatile uint32_t *) addr = b;
+}
+
+static inline uint8_t readb(const volatile void *addr)
+{
+	return *(volatile uint8_t *) addr;
+}
+
+static inline uint16_t readw(const volatile void *addr)
+{
+	return *(volatile uint16_t *) addr;
+}
+
+static inline uint32_t readl(const volatile void *addr)
+{
+	return *(volatile uint32_t *) addr;
+}
+
 #define ARRAY_SIZE(a) (sizeof(a) / sizeof((a)[0]))
 
 struct flashchip {
diff --git a/jedec.c b/jedec.c
index 9dbaa53..5403297 100644
--- a/jedec.c
+++ b/jedec.c
@@ -40,10 +40,10 @@
 	unsigned int i = 0;
 	uint8_t tmp1, tmp2;
 
-	tmp1 = *dst & 0x40;
+	tmp1 = readb(dst) & 0x40;
 
 	while (i++ < 0xFFFFFFF) {
-		tmp2 = *dst & 0x40;
+		tmp2 = readb(dst) & 0x40;
 		if (tmp1 == tmp2) {
 			break;
 		}
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
 	data &= 0x80;
 
 	while (i++ < 0xFFFFFFF) {
-		tmp = *dst & 0x80;
+		tmp = readb(dst) & 0x80;
 		if (tmp == data) {
 			break;
 		}
@@ -68,21 +68,21 @@
 
 void unprotect_jedec(volatile uint8_t *bios)
 {
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x80;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x20;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x20, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	usleep(200);
 }
 
 void protect_jedec(volatile uint8_t *bios)
 {
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xA0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	usleep(200);
 }
@@ -94,40 +94,40 @@
 	uint32_t largeid1, largeid2;
 
 	/* Issue JEDEC Product ID Entry command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 	/* Older chips may need up to 100 us to respond. The ATMEL 29C020
 	 * needs 10 ms according to the data sheet.
 	 */
 	myusec_delay(10000);
 
 	/* Read product ID */
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 	largeid1 = id1;
 	largeid2 = id2;
 
 	/* Check if it is a continuation ID, this should be a while loop. */
 	if (id1 == 0x7F) {
 		largeid1 <<= 8;
-		id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x100);
+		id1 = readb(bios + 0x100);
 		largeid1 |= id1;
 	}
 	if (id2 == 0x7F) {
 		largeid2 <<= 8;
-		id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x101);
+		id2 = readb(bios + 0x101);
 		largeid2 |= id2;
 	}
 
 	/* Issue JEDEC Product ID Exit command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(40);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x", __FUNCTION__, largeid1, largeid2);
@@ -143,18 +143,18 @@
 int erase_sector_jedec(volatile uint8_t *bios, unsigned int page)
 {
 	/*  Issue the Sector Erase command   */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + page) = 0x30;
+	writeb(0x30, bios + page);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	/* wait for Toggle bit ready         */
@@ -166,18 +166,18 @@
 int erase_block_jedec(volatile uint8_t *bios, unsigned int block)
 {
 	/*  Issue the Sector Erase command   */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + block) = 0x50;
+	writeb(0x50, bios + block);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	/* wait for Toggle bit ready         */
@@ -191,18 +191,18 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 
 	/*  Issue the JEDEC Chip Erase command   */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x10;
+	writeb(0x10, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
@@ -219,15 +219,15 @@
 
 retry:
 	/* Issue JEDEC Data Unprotect comand */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xA0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	/* transfer data from source to destination */
 	for (i = start_index; i < page_size; i++) {
 		/* If the data is 0xFF, don't program it */
 		if (*src != 0xFF)
-			*dst = *src;
+			writeb(*src, dst);
 		dst++;
 		src++;
 	}
@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@
 	src = s;
 	ok = 1;
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
-		if (*dst != *src) {
+		if (readb(dst) != *src) {
 			ok = 0;
 			break;
 		}
@@ -269,15 +269,15 @@
 
 retry:
 	/* Issue JEDEC Byte Program command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xA0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	/* transfer data from source to destination */
-	*dst = *src;
+	writeb(*src, dst);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
 
-	if (*dst != *src && tried++ < MAX_REFLASH_TRIES) {
+	if (readb(dst) != *src && tried++ < MAX_REFLASH_TRIES) {
 		goto retry;
 	}
 
diff --git a/m29f002.c b/m29f002.c
index 8afef79..f806a2d 100644
--- a/m29f002.c
+++ b/m29f002.c
@@ -22,12 +22,12 @@
 
 int erase_m29f002(struct flashchip *flash) {
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xaa;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xaaa) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x80;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xaa;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xaaa) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x10;
+	writeb(0xaa, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0xaaa);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xaa, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0xaaa);
+	writeb(0x10, bios + 0x555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
 	return 0;
@@ -35,21 +35,21 @@
 
 static void rewrite_block(volatile uint8_t *bios, uint8_t *src, volatile uint8_t *dst, int size) {
 	/* erase */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xaa;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xaaa) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x80;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xaa;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xaaa) = 0x55;
-	*dst = 0x30;
+	writeb(0xaa, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0xaaa);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xaa, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0xaaa);
+	writeb(0x30, dst);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
 
 	/* program */
 	while (size--) {
-		*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xaa;
-		*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xaaa) = 0x55;
-		*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0xa0;
-		*dst = *src;
+		writeb(0xaa, bios + 0x555);
+		writeb(0x55, bios + 0xaaa);
+		writeb(0xa0, bios + 0x555);
+		writeb(*src, dst);
 		toggle_ready_jedec(dst);
 		dst++;
 		src++;
diff --git a/m29f400bt.c b/m29f400bt.c
index d0b040d..2ca72e4 100644
--- a/m29f400bt.c
+++ b/m29f400bt.c
@@ -22,9 +22,9 @@
 
 void protect_m29f400bt(volatile uint8_t *bios)
 {
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xA0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xA0, bios + 0xAAA);
 
 	usleep(200);
 }
@@ -35,18 +35,18 @@
 	int i;
 
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
-		*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-		*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-		*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xA0;
+		writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+		writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+		writeb(0xA0, bios + 0xAAA);
 
 		/* transfer data from source to destination */
-		*dst = *src;
+		writeb(*src, dst);
 		//*(volatile char *) (bios) = 0xF0;
 		//usleep(5);
 		toggle_ready_jedec(dst);
 		printf
 		    ("Value in the flash at address %p = %#x, want %#x\n",
-		     (uint8_t *) (dst - bios), *dst, *src);
+		     (uint8_t *) (dst - bios), readb(dst), *src);
 		dst++;
 		src++;
 	}
@@ -57,21 +57,21 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0xAAA);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
+	id1 = readb(bios);
 	/* The data sheet says id2 is at (bios + 0x01) and id2 listed in
 	 * flash.h does not match. It should be possible to use JEDEC probe.
 	 */
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x02);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x02);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0xAAA);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
@@ -87,13 +87,13 @@
 {
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0xAAA);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0x10;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x10, bios + 0xAAA);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
@@ -104,14 +104,14 @@
 int block_erase_m29f400bt(volatile uint8_t *bios, volatile uint8_t *dst)
 {
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0xAAA);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xAAA) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x555) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0xAAA);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x555);
 	//*(volatile uint8_t *) (bios + 0xAAA) = 0x10;
-	*dst = 0x30;
+	writeb(0x30, dst);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
diff --git a/mx29f002.c b/mx29f002.c
index 30adab1..0e3f562 100644
--- a/mx29f002.c
+++ b/mx29f002.c
@@ -27,14 +27,14 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
-	*bios = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
@@ -49,13 +49,13 @@
 {
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xF0;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0x80;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0xAA;
-	*(bios + 0x2AA) = 0x55;
-	*(bios + 0x555) = 0x10;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AA);
+	writeb(0x10, bios + 0x555);
 
 	myusec_delay(100);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
@@ -65,12 +65,12 @@
 
 #if 0
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
-	*(bios + 0x0ffff) = 0x30;
-	*(bios + 0x1ffff) = 0x30;
-	*(bios + 0x2ffff) = 0x30;
-	*(bios + 0x37fff) = 0x30;
-	*(bios + 0x39fff) = 0x30;
-	*(bios + 0x3bfff) = 0x30;
+	writeb(0x30, bios + 0x0ffff);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + 0x1ffff);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + 0x2ffff);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + 0x37fff);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + 0x39fff);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + 0x3bfff);
 #endif
 
 	return 0;
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	volatile uint8_t *dst = bios;
 
-	*bios = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	erase_29f002(flash);
 	//*bios = 0xF0;
@@ -93,10 +93,10 @@
 		/* write to the sector */
 		if ((i & 0xfff) == 0)
 			printf("address: 0x%08lx", (unsigned long)i);
-		*(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-		*(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-		*(bios + 0x5555) = 0xA0;
-		*dst++ = *buf++;
+		writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+		writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+		writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x5555);
+		writeb(*buf++, dst++);
 
 		/* wait for Toggle bit ready */
 		toggle_ready_jedec(dst);
diff --git a/pm49fl00x.c b/pm49fl00x.c
index fe8b974..e2ca7b6 100644
--- a/pm49fl00x.c
+++ b/pm49fl00x.c
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 		if (block_size == 16384 && i % 2)
 			continue;
 
-		*(bios + (i * block_size) + 2) = bits;
+		writeb(bits, bios + (i * block_size) + 2);
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/sharplhf00l04.c b/sharplhf00l04.c
index 7db14fe..06a14ef 100644
--- a/sharplhf00l04.c
+++ b/sharplhf00l04.c
@@ -41,23 +41,23 @@
 
 #if 0
 	/* Enter ID mode */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 #endif
 
-	*bios = 0xff;
+	writeb(0xff, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*bios = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
 	/* Leave ID mode */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
@@ -76,25 +76,25 @@
 	uint8_t status;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*bios = 0x70;
-	if ((*bios & 0x80) == 0) {	// it's busy
-		while ((*bios & 0x80) == 0) ;
+	writeb(0x70, bios);
+	if ((readb(bios) & 0x80) == 0) {	// it's busy
+		while ((readb(bios) & 0x80) == 0) ;
 	}
 
-	status = *bios;
+	status = readb(bios);
 
 	// put another command to get out of status register mode
 
-	*bios = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
 	// this is needed to jam it out of "read id" mode
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	return status;
 }
@@ -106,19 +106,19 @@
 	uint8_t status;
 
 	// clear status register
-	*bios = 0x50;
+	writeb(0x50, bios);
 	printf("Erase at %p\n", bios);
 	status = wait_lhf00l04(flash->virtual_memory);
 	print_lhf00l04_status(status);
 	// clear write protect
 	printf("write protect is at %p\n", (wrprotect));
-	printf("write protect is 0x%x\n", *(wrprotect));
-	*(wrprotect) = 0;
-	printf("write protect is 0x%x\n", *(wrprotect));
+	printf("write protect is 0x%x\n", readb(wrprotect));
+	writeb(0, wrprotect);
+	printf("write protect is 0x%x\n", readb(wrprotect));
 
 	// now start it
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios) = 0x20;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios) = 0xd0;
+	writeb(0x20, bios);
+	writeb(0xd0, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 	// now let's see what the register is
 	status = wait_lhf00l04(flash->virtual_memory);
@@ -149,8 +149,8 @@
 
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
 		/* transfer data from source to destination */
-		*dst = 0x40;
-		*dst++ = *src++;
+		writeb(0x40, dst);
+		writeb(*src++, dst++);
 		wait_lhf00l04(bios);
 	}
 }
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 
 	erase_lhf00l04(flash);
-	if (*bios != 0xff) {
+	if (readb(bios) != 0xff) {
 		printf("ERASE FAILED!\n");
 		return -1;
 	}
diff --git a/sst28sf040.c b/sst28sf040.c
index 89be9d8..ee8ee80 100644
--- a/sst28sf040.c
+++ b/sst28sf040.c
@@ -35,13 +35,13 @@
 	/* ask compiler not to optimize this */
 	volatile uint8_t tmp;
 
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x1823);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x1820);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x1822);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x0418);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x041B);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x0419);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x040A);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x1823);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x1820);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x1822);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x0418);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x041B);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x0419);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x040A);
 }
 
 static __inline__ void unprotect_28sf040(volatile uint8_t *bios)
@@ -49,20 +49,20 @@
 	/* ask compiler not to optimize this */
 	volatile uint8_t tmp;
 
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x1823);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x1820);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x1822);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x0418);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x041B);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x0419);
-	tmp = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x041A);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x1823);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x1820);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x1822);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x0418);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x041B);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x0419);
+	tmp = readb(bios + 0x041A);
 }
 
 static __inline__ int erase_sector_28sf040(volatile uint8_t *bios,
 					   unsigned long address)
 {
-	*bios = AUTO_PG_ERASE1;
-	*(bios + address) = AUTO_PG_ERASE2;
+	writeb(AUTO_PG_ERASE1, bios);
+	writeb(AUTO_PG_ERASE2, bios + address);
 
 	/* wait for Toggle bit ready         */
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
@@ -85,8 +85,8 @@
 			continue;
 		}
 		/*issue AUTO PROGRAM command */
-		*dst = AUTO_PGRM;
-		*dst++ = *src++;
+		writeb(AUTO_PGRM, dst);
+		writeb(*src++, dst++);
 
 		/* wait for Toggle bit ready */
 		toggle_ready_jedec(bios);
@@ -100,16 +100,16 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*bios = RESET;
+	writeb(RESET, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	*bios = READ_ID;
+	writeb(READ_ID, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
+	id1 = readb(bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
-	*bios = RESET;
+	writeb(RESET, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x\n", __FUNCTION__, id1, id2);
@@ -124,8 +124,8 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 
 	unprotect_28sf040(bios);
-	*bios = CHIP_ERASE;
-	*bios = CHIP_ERASE;
+	writeb(CHIP_ERASE, bios);
+	writeb(CHIP_ERASE, bios);
 	protect_28sf040(bios);
 
 	myusec_delay(10);
diff --git a/sst49lfxxxc.c b/sst49lfxxxc.c
index 2c9a87b..397ee61 100644
--- a/sst49lfxxxc.c
+++ b/sst49lfxxxc.c
@@ -50,20 +50,20 @@
 	//printf("bios=0x%08lx\n", (unsigned long)bios);
 	for (i = 0; left > 65536; i++, left -= 65536) {
 		//printf("lockbits at address=0x%08lx is 0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)0xFFC00000 - size + (i * 65536) + 2, *(bios + (i * 65536) + 2) );
-		*(bios + (i * 65536) + 2) = bits;
+		writeb(bits, bios + (i * 65536) + 2);
 	}
 	address = i * 65536;
 	//printf("lockbits at address=0x%08lx is 0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)0xFFc00000 - size + address + 2, *(bios + address + 2) );
-	*(bios + address + 2) = bits;
+	writeb(bits, bios + address + 2);
 	address += 32768;
 	//printf("lockbits at address=0x%08lx is 0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)0xFFc00000 - size + address + 2, *(bios + address + 2) );
-	*(bios + address + 2) = bits;
+	writeb(bits, bios + address + 2);
 	address += 8192;
 	//printf("lockbits at address=0x%08lx is 0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)0xFFc00000 - size + address + 2, *(bios + address + 2) );
-	*(bios + address + 2) = bits;
+	writeb(bits, bios + address + 2);
 	address += 8192;
 	//printf("lockbits at address=0x%08lx is 0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)0xFFc00000 - size + address + 2, *(bios + address + 2) );
-	*(bios + address + 2) = bits;
+	writeb(bits, bios + address + 2);
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
 {
 	unsigned char status;
 
-	*bios = SECTOR_ERASE;
-	*(bios + address) = ERASE;
+	writeb(SECTOR_ERASE, bios);
+	writeb(ERASE, bios + address);
 
 	do {
-		status = *bios;
+		status = readb(bios);
 		if (status & (STATUS_ESS | STATUS_BPS)) {
 			printf("sector erase FAILED at address=0x%08lx status=0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)bios + address, status);
-			*bios = CLEAR_STATUS;
+			writeb(CLEAR_STATUS, bios);
 			return (-1);
 		}
 	} while (!(status & STATUS_WSMS));
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@
 	int i;
 	unsigned char status;
 
-	*bios = CLEAR_STATUS;
+	writeb(CLEAR_STATUS, bios);
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
 		/* transfer data from source to destination */
 		if (*src == 0xFF) {
@@ -105,14 +105,14 @@
 			continue;
 		}
 		/*issue AUTO PROGRAM command */
-		*bios = AUTO_PGRM;
-		*dst++ = *src++;
+		writeb(AUTO_PGRM, bios);
+		writeb(*src++, dst++);
 
 		do {
-			status = *bios;
+			status = readb(bios);
 			if (status & (STATUS_ESS | STATUS_BPS)) {
 				printf("sector write FAILED at address=0x%08lx status=0x%01x\n", (unsigned long)dst, status);
-				*bios = CLEAR_STATUS;
+				writeb(CLEAR_STATUS, bios);
 				return (-1);
 			}
 		} while (!(status & STATUS_WSMS));
@@ -127,13 +127,13 @@
 
 	uint8_t id1, id2;
 
-	*bios = RESET;
+	writeb(RESET, bios);
 
-	*bios = READ_ID;
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	writeb(READ_ID, bios);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
-	*bios = RESET;
+	writeb(RESET, bios);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x\n", __FUNCTION__, id1, id2);
 
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@
 		if (erase_sector_49lfxxxc(bios, i) != 0)
 			return (-1);
 
-	*bios = RESET;
+	writeb(RESET, bios);
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@
 	}
 	printf("\n");
 
-	*bios = RESET;
+	writeb(RESET, bios);
 
 	return 0;
 }
diff --git a/sst_fwhub.c b/sst_fwhub.c
index 455107e..2c2992e 100644
--- a/sst_fwhub.c
+++ b/sst_fwhub.c
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *wrprotect = flash->virtual_registers + offset + 2;
 
 	// clear write protect
-	*(wrprotect) = 0;
+	writeb(0, wrprotect);
 
 	erase_block_jedec(flash->virtual_memory, offset);
 	toggle_ready_jedec(flash->virtual_memory);
diff --git a/stm50flw0x0x.c b/stm50flw0x0x.c
index c06bab9..edb76cc 100644
--- a/stm50flw0x0x.c
+++ b/stm50flw0x0x.c
@@ -33,9 +33,9 @@
 
 void protect_stm50flw0x0x(volatile uint8_t *bios)
 {
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xA0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xA0, bios + 0x5555);
 
 	usleep(200);
 }
@@ -47,37 +47,37 @@
 	uint32_t largeid1, largeid2;
 
 	/* Issue JEDEC Product ID Entry command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(40);
 
 	/* Read product ID */
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 	largeid1 = id1;
 	largeid2 = id2;
 
 	/* Check if it is a continuation ID, this should be a while loop. */
 	if (id1 == 0x7F) {
 		largeid1 <<= 8;
-		id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x100);
+		id1 = readb(bios + 0x100);
 		largeid1 |= id1;
 	}
 	if (id2 == 0x7F) {
 		largeid2 <<= 8;
-		id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x101);
+		id2 = readb(bios + 0x101);
 		largeid2 |= id2;
 	}
 
 	/* Issue JEDEC Product ID Exit command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(40);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x\n", __FUNCTION__, largeid1,
@@ -96,21 +96,21 @@
 	uint8_t id1;
 	// id2;
 
-	*bios = 0x70;
-	if ((*bios & 0x80) == 0) {	// it's busy
-		while ((*bios & 0x80) == 0) ;
+	writeb(0x70, bios);
+	if ((readb(bios) & 0x80) == 0) {	// it's busy
+		while ((readb(bios) & 0x80) == 0) ;
 	}
 	// put another command to get out of status register mode
 
-	*bios = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
+	id1 = readb(bios);
 
 	// this is needed to jam it out of "read id" mode
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 }
 
 /*
@@ -142,8 +142,8 @@
 		// unlock each 4k-sector
 		for (j = 0; j < 0x10000; j += 0x1000) {
 			printf_debug("unlocking at 0x%x\n", offset + j);
-			*(flash_addr + offset + j) = unlock_sector;
-			if (*(flash_addr + offset + j) != unlock_sector) {
+			writeb(unlock_sector, flash_addr + offset + j);
+			if (readb(flash_addr + offset + j) != unlock_sector) {
 				printf("Cannot unlock sector @ 0x%x\n",
 				       offset + j);
 				return -1;
@@ -151,8 +151,8 @@
 		}
 	} else {
 		printf_debug("unlocking at 0x%x\n", offset);
-		*(flash_addr + offset) = unlock_sector;
-		if (*(flash_addr + offset) != unlock_sector) {
+		writeb(unlock_sector, flash_addr + offset);
+		if (readb(flash_addr + offset) != unlock_sector) {
 			printf("Cannot unlock sector @ 0x%x\n", offset);
 			return -1;
 		}
@@ -167,17 +167,17 @@
 	int j;
 
 	// clear status register
-	*bios = 0x50;
+	writeb(0x50, bios);
 	printf_debug("Erase at %p\n", bios);
 	// now start it
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios) = 0x20;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios) = 0xd0;
+	writeb(0x20, bios);
+	writeb(0xd0, bios);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	wait_stm50flw0x0x(flash->virtual_memory);
 
 	for (j = 0; j < flash->page_size; j++) {
-		if (*(bios + j) != 0xFF) {
+		if (readb(bios + j) != 0xFF) {
 			printf("Erase failed at 0x%x\n", offset + j);
 			return -1;
 		}
@@ -197,8 +197,8 @@
 
 	/* transfer data from source to destination */
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
-		*dst = 0x40;
-		*dst++ = *src++;
+		writeb(0x40, dst);
+		writeb(*src++, dst++);
 		wait_stm50flw0x0x(bios);
 	}
 
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@
 	dst = d;
 	src = s;
 	for (i = 0; i < page_size; i++) {
-		if (*dst != *src) {
+		if (readb(dst) != *src) {
 			rc = -1;
 			break;
 		}
diff --git a/w29ee011.c b/w29ee011.c
index fa3aa7c..80a4e66 100644
--- a/w29ee011.c
+++ b/w29ee011.c
@@ -37,29 +37,29 @@
 	}
 
 	/* Issue JEDEC Product ID Entry command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x60;
+	writeb(0x60, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	/* Read product ID */
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
 	/* Issue JEDEC Product ID Exit command */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x\n", __FUNCTION__, id1, id2);
diff --git a/w39v040c.c b/w39v040c.c
index 37549d7..3a0f430 100644
--- a/w39v040c.c
+++ b/w39v040c.c
@@ -26,22 +26,22 @@
 	volatile uint8_t *bios = flash->virtual_memory;
 	uint8_t id1, id2, lock;
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
-	id1 = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	id2 = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 1);
-	lock = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xfff2);
+	id1 = readb(bios);
+	id2 = readb(bios + 1);
+	lock = readb(bios + 0xfff2);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
 	myusec_delay(10);
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(40);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: id1 0x%02x, id2 0x%02x", __func__, id1, id2);
diff --git a/w39v080fa.c b/w39v080fa.c
index 66534ce..6278fbc 100644
--- a/w39v080fa.c
+++ b/w39v080fa.c
@@ -27,19 +27,19 @@
 	uint8_t vid, did;
 
 	/* Product Identification Entry */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	/* Read product ID */
-	vid = *(volatile uint8_t *)bios;
-	did = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x01);
+	vid = readb(bios);
+	did = readb(bios + 0x01);
 
 	/* Product Identifixation Exit */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	printf_debug("%s: vid 0x%x, did 0x%x\n", __FUNCTION__, vid, did);
@@ -58,16 +58,16 @@
 	uint8_t locking;
 
 	printf_debug("Trying to unlock block @0x%08x = 0x%02x\n", offset,
-		     *wrprotect);
+		     readb(wrprotect));
 
-	locking = *wrprotect;
+	locking = readb(wrprotect);
 	switch (locking & 0x7) {
 	case 0:
 		printf_debug("Full Access.\n");
 		return 0;
 	case 1:
 		printf_debug("Write Lock (Default State).\n");
-		*wrprotect = 0;
+		writeb(0, wrprotect);
 		return 0;
 	case 2:
 		printf_debug("Locked Open (Full Access, Lock Down).\n");
@@ -77,11 +77,11 @@
 		return -1;
 	case 4:
 		printf_debug("Read Lock.\n");
-		*wrprotect = 0;
+		writeb(0, wrprotect);
 		return 0;
 	case 5:
 		printf_debug("Read/Write Lock.\n");
-		*wrprotect = 0;
+		writeb(0, wrprotect);
 		return 0;
 	case 6:
 		fprintf(stderr, "Error: Read Lock, Locked Down.\n");
@@ -106,18 +106,18 @@
 	 */
 
 	/* Product Identification Entry */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x90;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x90, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	/* Read Hardware Lock Bits */
-	locking = *(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0xffff2);
+	locking = readb(bios + 0xffff2);
 
 	/* Product Identification Exit */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xF0;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0xF0, bios + 0x5555);
 	myusec_delay(10);
 
 	printf_debug("Lockout bits:\n");
@@ -151,13 +151,13 @@
 	printf("0x%08x\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b", sector);
 
 	/* Sector Erase */
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0x80;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x80, bios + 0x5555);
 
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x5555) = 0xAA;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + 0x2AAA) = 0x55;
-	*(volatile uint8_t *)(bios + sector) = 0x30;
+	writeb(0xAA, bios + 0x5555);
+	writeb(0x55, bios + 0x2AAA);
+	writeb(0x30, bios + sector);
 
 	/* wait for Toggle bit ready */
 	toggle_ready_jedec(bios);