Re: [MiNT] Patch for xaloader.prg

[Paul Wratt <paul.wratt@gmail.com>]

On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 3:38 PM, Miro Kropacek <miro.kropacek@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On 1 mar 2010, at 22.25, Patrice Mandin wrote:
>> > While you are at it, couldn't you do the same for the MiNT kernel:
>> > A small loader to put in auto folder, to run (and/or manually select)
>> > the kernel dependent of current cpu, would be also useful when switching
>> > between 030 and 060.
>>
>> Actually I already started to do this. Right now it emulates the behavior
>> of xaloader.prg, but I could add a menu or something later on (is that
>> really needed?).
>
> This whole thing can be taken for much wider purpose -- I remember
> discussion with Frank, he told me the best solution for VM-ready mint kernel
> would be separate memory (and other) initializations into one small loader,
> i.e. set up everything incl. MMU (read-only text segments for all loaded
> TSRs for example) and then just load kernel itself to completely safe/sane
> environment. So definitely go ahead Peter, your work can be very good base
> for this extension in a future.
> About the menu: yes, I'd welcome it very much, looking into <sysdir> for all
> possible *.PRG files would be awesome -- remember not only CPU but also
> things like debug kernels or custom configurations are quite nice to be
> selectable.
> --
> MiKRO / Mystic Bytes
> http://mikro.atari.org
>

Yep, it will be a good thing for the future additions to MiNT, as well
as being useful for certain setups ATM

the only generic menu item I can see (give or take) is a 68000 option.
So probably not to funky on the menu side yet (coding wise), as most
of us would only use 1 alternative (but yes the option for more should
be there)..

BTW, I had an idea for the ACP like this, but GRUB/LILO style graphic
menu (possibly mouse too???). That sort of idea might be useful for
what Mikro is taking about, where the loader does certain thing befor
loading the kernel propper..

Paul