Linux kernel release for the IA-64 Platform

These are the release notes for Linux since version 2.4 for IA-64 platform. This document provides information specific to IA-64 ONLY, to get additional information about the Linux kernel also read the original Linux README provided with the kernel.

Installing the Kernel

• IA-64 kernel installation is the same as the other platforms, see original README for details.

Software Requirements

Compiling and running this kernel requires an IA-64 compliant GCC compiler. And various software packages also compiled with an IA-64 compliant GCC compiler.

Configuring the Kernel

Configuration is the same, see original README for details.

Compiling the Kernel:

• Compiling this kernel doesn’t differ from other platform so read the original README for details BUT make sure you have an IA-64 compliant GCC compiler.

IA-64 Specifics

• General issues:

  • Hardly any performance tuning has been done. Obvious targets include the library routines (IP checksum, etc.). Less obvious targets include making sure we don’t flush the TLB needlessly, etc.
  • SMP locks cleanup/optimization
  • IA32 support. Currently experimental. It mostly works.