OSDev.org

I am a programmer. I used to use VB,C++ etc.
But I always, wanted to write an OS. So I learnt
C. I also got myself a book on assembly language
for the 8086.

Now I am comfortable with assembly language & C.
I collected a lot of tutorials & examples.
many of the examples use protected mode, A20 line...etc.

First I want to write a simple OS in real mode then
move on to using the advanced features of the
286,386....
Can you tell me how to go about it.

for example, a list of things i should have a knowledge of
before i start out( so that I don't have problems during the
development ) [ **just for the simple REAL MODE OS** ].
and where to get it.

Another question,
How do we pass control to kernel from the bootsector,
if we can't set the CS & IP registers. please help me out.?