From mboxrd@z Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 1970 Return-Path: Received: from mail.esiee.fr (mail.esiee.fr [147.215.1.3]) by dsl2.external.hp.com (Postfix) with ESMTP id A1B95482B for ; Tue, 25 Sep 2001 16:43:54 -0600 (MDT) Received: from esiee.fr (pc211j.esiee.fr [147.215.80.169]) by mail.esiee.fr (Postfix) with ESMTP id E55CAD15DC for ; Wed, 26 Sep 2001 00:43:46 +0200 (CEST) Sender: marteaut@esiee.fr Message-ID: <3BB10839.D23F2ED6@esiee.fr> Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2001 00:42:01 +0200 From: Thomas Marteau MIME-Version: 1.0 To: "parisc-linux@parisc-linux.org" Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Subject: [parisc-linux] First Draft of the help for the kernel options List-ID: Hi all, As you know, PA/Linux source needs some help to guide their users. That's why I tried to complete the documentation for the kernel. I would like to know your point of view and your modifications. I send what we must add at Documentation/Configuration.help. If you want to reply, try to cut only the most interesting part in order to have small replies. Thanks in advance, Thomas. ESIEE Team Here is the first draft: ================================================================================== GSC/Gecko bus support CONFIG_GSC This option gives to the kernel the capability to manage GSC buses of HP computers. This option is compulsory if you want it working. LASI I/O support CONFIG_GSC_LASI LASI is one type of controller embedded in HP workstations and servers. It controls some I/O devices like PS2 keyboard and mouse, audio or serial interface. The best advice is to keep it in your configuration, if you are not sure about that point. GSCtoPCI/DINO PCI support CONFIG_GSC_DINO By selecting this item, you add the use of your PCI extension slots. In order to be useful, you need a quite recent HP computer like those based on PA7300LC or PA8X00. Chassis LCD and LED support CONFIG_CHASSIS_LCD_LED HP boxes have LED or LCD indicator on the front in order to show some basic information like status for example. With this enabled, you can have this help also available. Kernel support for SOM binaries CONFIG_BINFMT_SOM SOM (Spectrum Object Model) is a format for libraries and executables used by HP. Saying Y here will enable your kernel to run SOM binaries. As a result, you could run HP-UX executables. This capability is still in development. Then, you use this functionality with no warranty! LASI/ASP builtin parallel-port CONFIG_PARPORT_GSC If you have a LASI or ASP controller in your HP box and you want to use the parallel port, a good idea will be to keep this item in your configuration. HP Lasi SCSI support CONFIG_SCSI_LASI If you have an old HP system like a 712, you should keep this on. This will enable the For quite recent computers, you may be able to turn this off. Lasi ethernet CONFIG_LASI_82596 This option adds the driver for one of most used network cards. It is also known as Apricot driver. It is based on an Intel 82596 chip. If you do not know what is your hardware, it is strongly recommended to keep is on. Support for Lasi/Dino PS2 port CONFIG_GSC_PS2 The PS2 connector of the HP boxes looks like a standard PC connector. If you want to use the PS2 keyboard and mouse, you must keep this on. Anyway, some HP workstations and servers have this kind of interfaces but not the ports you can plug in your devices. Thus, the best thing to do anyway is to let this choice turned on. serial port on GSC support CONFIG_SERIAL_GSC For most of the HP servers and for some workstations that do not have its video card supported yet, you will need to get the console output via the serial port. As a result, you could interact with the box via a VT or a serial cable link to another computer. STI console CONFIG_STI_CONSOLE The Standard Text Interface could correspond to the VGA support for PC. HP developped STI as a mechanism between CPU and graphics devices. Thus, if you want your console on your screen like any other PC linux does, leave this option on. If you do not have any success with your console output, we advice you to check if you have checked the STI frame buffer option, aka CONFIG_FB_STI, in your configuration. Some models are happy when the two of them are enabled and some others prefer to have only this one only. Anyway, if you failed to have the screen output, you can switch to the serial console output. PA Harmony audio driver CONFIG_SOUND_HARMONY This option enables the audio part of the LASI controller. Since it is standard to all the boxes, this option should be set for any workstation. Servers do not really need audio. Then, you can unset it.