> I am trying to make sure I understand the distributed nature of Plan > 9. There is no architecture restrictions for CPU servers, file > servers and terminals correct. I mean that they don't have to have the > same architecture, i.e. all x86s. I can mix and match the machines in > anyway I see fit.
Yep. To ensure this I beleive there are still some Alphas around where plan9 is used to "keep the code honest" (i.e. to prevent x86-isms creaping in). > Also, to port Plan 9 to a new system, the main thing that needs to be > done is to create a compiler for that architecture. There is little > system dependent code. yes to this too. The processor dependent code is mostly wrapped up in libmach http://plan9.bell-labs.com/magic/man2html/2/mach and a thousand odd lines in the kernel startup. getting your new kernel into RAM and device drivers for your new platform may cause more headaches. -Steve
