Hi all,

I just uploaded the following new things to ftp.netbsd.org (directory:
pub/NetBSD/arch/atari/...):
	In the directory floppies:
	    miniroot-12.fs.1.gz
	    miniroot-12.fs.2.gz
	    INSTALL
	In the directory kernels:
	    netbsd.BOOTX.intr.gz
	    netbsd.BOOTX.poll.gz

All the items above are 1.2_BETA. As the 1.2 release get's closer, I need
your help with testing and polishing the things that are going to be released.

The last kernel I released about 2 months ago, had some serious problems on
some of the Falcons. It also had problems in using removable-drives on both
TT and Falcon. Markus Kilbinger and I have been working hard since to tackle
the SCSI-problems and we at least discovered (and fixed ;-) ) a bug in the
DMA handling on the Falcon. At least Markus's Syquest now works ok. But
this is no guarantee that all Falcons behave like that (we found that out
the hard way with the last kernel :-( ). So my request to all Falcon owners
is: please try the new kernels. Start with 'netbsd.BOOTX.poll'. Some testing
with Dan's Falcon showed that the problems he had with the last kernel
disappeared when the kernel operated in polling DMA mode. If that works,
also try the 'netbsd.BOOTX.intr' kernel. As this is definitely what we
want to have in the long run.
If you have a TT, just get the '.intr' kernel.

*Be careful* Because the kernels are only tested on 2 systems, there is always
a chance that they won't work on your particular system. They might even
wipe your disks!

To minimize the chance for data-loss, I think the best way to test it is by
using the miniroot. Just try to install a set on some unused partition (if
you have a removable, this should be easy).

Apart from the kernels, I also uploaded a new installer. I think this one
is much better than the previous one. It's much easier to use. There is
one big minus and that is that if you want to edit something, you will
be thrown into ed(1). There is not much I can do about this - vi just doesn't
fit :-( If you have ideas how to overcome this, please tell me! Luckily,
if you do a standard install or upgrade, you don't have to edit anything.
Some features of the new installer:
	- It covers both installation and upgrading
	- It let's you choose the correct keyboard map
	- It is mostly self documenting
	- It can be used even on non-partitioned disks
	- You can assign partions to NetBSD from within the installer
	  (no more chgpid!)

I updated quite a lot of the INSTALL document already. At least the sections
on 'install' and 'upgrade' are ready. Please try it out. Remarks on both the
installer and the docs are appreciated!

Just one additional request: If you find a bug in the installer or the
kernel that might be dangerous (or just nice to know) for others. Drop
it on the list ASAP!

Leo.