Hi, I gather that this debate is a bit over debated but... > 1 - Two separate kernels (one 16-bit and one 32-bit) with a mechanism which > auto-detects what CPU it's running on and launches the appropriate kernel
Bernd and I once considered the possibility to make this part of the boot process, but then realized that you can not easily boot 16-bit CPU (286 and older) from CD anyway. In general, almost everybody should be happy with a kernel which needs at least 386 CPU. Others can use a boot floppy with 8086 compatible kernel. Another story is the 32-bit aspect of DOS extenders: The FD32 project has the kernel directly supporting protected mode (think DPMI). However, the performance improvement compared to loading DPMI host or similar extension frameworks inside a "normal DOS". In FreeDOS, the kernel does NOT run in protected mode, so it is limited to 1 MB RAM. However, various drivers are not affected by that and even the kernel can use 32 bit maths. In short, a protected mode kernel is a niche thing, but it also is a niche thing to require 8086 CPU compatibility ;-) > 3 - A single kernel which supports only 386 and newer processors and always > runs in protected mode. Loses hardware compatibility for computers with 286 > or earlier processors but maintains 100% software compatibility. See FD32. Given your interest in dedicated protected mode support, you certainly want to have a closer look at it. > 4 - Keep the same great 16-bit kernel we all know and love. Maintains 100% > hardware and software compatibility. See above - most people now use the FreeDOS kernel with 32-bit maths but without built-in protected mode stuff, loading that separately. Regards, Eric ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dive into the World of Parallel Programming! The Go Parallel Website, sponsored by Intel and developed in partnership with Slashdot Media, is your hub for all things parallel software development, from weekly thought leadership blogs to news, videos, case studies, tutorials and more. Take a look and join the conversation now. http://goparallel.sourceforge.net _______________________________________________ Freedos-devel mailing list Freedos-devel@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/freedos-devel
