FAQ

[df]

while I am re-writing the FAQ, (yes, I really _AM_ rewriting it), I want to know what people think is missing, what needs to be added, removed, etc.

All of it is getting a rewrite, some bits are being removed totally (compiling djgpp to build ELF, etc)

so now is the time to pipe up and add your two cents!

[Whatever5k]

I'd wish more details on topics like Segmentation or Memory Management - that would help a beginner.
Actually, those main topics should be discussed:


1. Processes
2. Input and Output
3. Memory Management
4. File Systems


That's quite much to realize, but it would be just enough to clarify the basic things and point out to other documents that bother with the topic in detail...

[df]

cool, its on my list now.

I'm building the new faq as a wiki, it makes it easy to maintain and grow and keep uptodate.

[Slasher]

hi,
nice faq! I would like to see discussions on implementation trade-offs like
how scheduling could be improved(optimized)
perfomance tests
different means of taskswitching

things that really affect kernel size and speed
thanks

[jrfritz]

Maybe adding FritzOS to the list of small kernel sources.

Link: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfile ... p_id=58434

[K.J.]

Expand your "What order should I make things in?". I get sooo many people asking me that question, and they aren't satisfied normally with a, "there's no right order". I suggest at least giving a simple all-around outline.

and three "generic" executable's types, ELF files, FreeBSD a.out files and "generic" executable's (any file with a valid multiboot header).

Give the layout of the multiboot header.

AMD K6 WriteBack Optimisations

Okay, so you tell how to enable them, but what are they?

APIC? Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller

APIC is the Intel standard for the "new" PIC. Its used in multiprocessor systems.

I have no more info at this time.

Info!!!! http://osdev.neopages.net/tutorials/apicarticle.php

OPIC? Open Programmable Interrupt Controller

I have no info on OPIC currently... Other than its a non-intel standard.

Then why bother? Your FAQ is the only place I've seen mention of it...

In the Video section, touch on VGA. You could point them to the FreeVGA docs:
http://osdev.neopages.net/FreeVGA/home.htm

Linkers :: VAL

I'd toss that. I can't find anything about the "enhanced" version at all.

Filesystems :: BeFS

Point them to this book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1558604979/qid=1036199548/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/002-2456642-1372840?v=glance

Bochs (i386) PC emulator

There are SOME drawbacks. It only supports a basic i386 pc with FPU. There is no PNP or PCI (as of current version).

Update for Bochs 2.0 .


That's it for now.

K.J.

[df]

Maybe adding FritzOS to the list of small kernel sources.

Link: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfile ... p_id=58434

the small kernels section may be removed, or if kept, some examples will be stored on my FTP site. I'm not into external linking inside the faq...

depends what I think on the day I write the entry

[Curufir]

A small entry on why trashing the IVT and BIOS data block is a bad idea even if the person thinks they are just going to operate in PMode.

That's kind of an excuse to bump the thread, but seeing as the FAQ is what brought me here originally I think a bit of attention is deserved ;D.