tv@wasabisystems.com ("Todd Vierling") writes:
> On 25 Oct 2001 cgd@broadcom.com wrote:
> [... ]
> : I don't see why e.g. the x86 installboot couldn't/shouldn't use a
> : similar technique to what the Alpha uses, for instance.
> 
> The nlist usage of sparc's installboot is to get symbols from the
> first-stage bootloader, in order to shove block numbers into it.  Similar
> foo is used for i386.
> 
> The alpha bootstrap is a single piece ~8K stuffed below the real fs data
> start.  So the alpha can get away with more, because it doesn't have to
> write block numbers into the bootstrap.

Oh gack, that's right, i'd forgotten that we'd reworked the primary
alpha installboot.  (where "we" even includes me...  *sigh*  memory
going... oh, wait, never there!)

anyway, s/installboot/installboot.old/ for the Alpha.

obviously, you get the idea with the technique to use.


chris