Re: RFC: [2.6 patch] better i386 CPU selection

Jeff Garzik
2003-09-13T18:53:33Z

On Sat, Sep 13, 2003 at 07:37:58PM +0100, Dave Jones wrote:
> On Sat, Sep 13, 2003 at 02:21:59PM -0400, Jeff Garzik wrote:
>
> > > > In 2.4 selecting e.g. M486 has the semantics to get a kernel that runs
> > > > on a 486 and above.
> > > > In 2.6 selecting M486 means that only the 486 is supported.
> > >
> > > What are you basing this on ? This seems bogus to me.
> > > Last I checked, I could for eg, boot a 386 kernel on an Athlon.
> >
> > If you know that you're only booting on a 486, why include all the junk
> > needed solely for later processors?
>
> Reread. a kernel _compiled for 386_
> Precisely what junk do you mean ?
>
> > > If we boot a 386 kernel on a ppro with that bug, this goes bang.
> > Echo my first comment.
>
> Echo 2 lines above. People do use 386 kernels for install kernels
> on distros. Removing errata workarounds means distros start randomly
> exploding during installs.

You're not understanding the model. I understand your comment about
using 386 kernels for install kernels. If Adrian's patch is done
right, _absolutely nothing should change_ in your described scenario.

Distros would continue doing what they've always done, and would
continue to get the behavior they have always gotten.

Unless you're a power user and select CONFIG_EMBEDDED, of course.
Then behavior changes.

Jeff