1. Introduction
This document serves as a study guide and source commentary for Linux i386 boot code. In addition to C-like pseudocode source commentary, it also presents keynotes of toolchains and specs related to kernel development. It is designed to help:
kernel newbies to understand Linux i386 boot code, and
kernel veterans to recall Linux boot procedure.
Current release is based on Linux 2.4.20.
The project homepage for this document is hosted by China Linux Forum. Working documents may also be found at the author's personal webpage at Yahoo! GeoCities.
1.1. Copyright and License
This document, Linux i386 Boot Code HOWTO, is copyrighted (c) 2003, 2004 by Feiyun Wang. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is available at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
1.2. Disclaimer
No liability for the contents of this document can be accepted. Use the concepts, examples and information at your own risk. There may be errors and inaccuracies which could be damaging to your system. Proceed with caution, and although this is highly unlikely, the author(s) do not take any responsibility.
Owners hold all copyrights, unless specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as endorsements.
1.3. Credits / Contributors
In this document, I have the pleasure of acknowledging:
Jennifer Riley <kevten@NOSPAM.email.com>
Tabatha Marshall <tabatha@NOSPAM.merlinmonroe.com>
Randy Dunlap <rddunlap@NOSPAM.ieee.org>
1.4. Feedback
Feedback is most certainly welcome for this document. Send your additions, comments and criticisms to the following email address:
Feiyun Wang <feiyunw@yahoo.com>