Linux 2.4.x Initialization for IA-32 HOWTO: Introduction

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## 1. Introduction

Portions of this text come from comments in the kernel source files (obviously). I have added annotations in many places. I hope that this will be useful to kernel developers -- either new ones or experienced ones who need more of this type of information. However, if there's not enough detail here for you, "Use the Source."

## 1.1 Overview

This description is organized as a brief overview which lists the sections that are described later in more detail.

The description is in three main sections. The first section covers early kernel initialization on IA-32 (but only after your boot loader of choice and other intermediate loaders have run; i.e., this description does not cover loading the kernel). This section is based on the code in "linux/arch/i386/boot/setup.S" and "linux/arch/i386/boot/video.S".

The second major section covers Linux initialization that is x86- (or i386- or IA-32-) specific. This section is based on the source files "linux/arch/i386/kernel/head.S" and "linux/arch/i386/kernel/setup.c".

The third major section covers Linux initialization that is architecture-independent. This section is based on the flow in the source file "linux/init/main.c".

See the References section for other valuable documents about booting, loading, and initialization.

## 1.2 This document

This document describes Linux 2.4.x initialization on IA-32 (or i386 or x86) processors -- after one or more kernel boot loaders (if any) have done their job.

You can format it using the commands (for example):

> `

>     % sgml2txt ia32_init_240.sgml

> `

or

> `

>     % sgml2html ia32_init_240.sgml

> `

This will produce plain ASCII or HTML files respectively. You can also produce LaTeX, GNU, and RTF info by using the proper sgmltool (man sgmltools).

## 1.3 Contributions

Additions and corrections are welcome. Please send them to me (rddunlap@ieee.org). Contributions of section descriptions that are used will be credited to their author(s).

## 1.4 Trademarks

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

## 1.5 License

Copyright (C) 2001 Randy Dunlap.

This document may be distributed only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the LDP (Linux Documentation Project) License at "http://www.linuxdoc.org/COPYRIGHT.html".

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