Mohammed Gamal wrote: > Hi, > My Project proposal "Improving and Stabilizing Real-Mode Support for > Intel Hosts" has been accepted into Google Summer of Code under the > Linux Foundation. You may have a look at the proposal abstract here: > http://code.google.com/soc/2008/linux/appinfo.html?csaid=1CC1C8B4CCC1120E > . > > Any pointers on where to start, what would you like to see done, and > any other comments and suggestions would greatly be appreciated. >
We have a two stage plan to address real-mode on Intel systems. Both involve using x86_emulate() to emulate 16-bit (and 32-bit) instructions that VT cannot handle. The first stage is to detect vmentry failures and run x86_emulate() for a single instruction. If you look at the mailing list, you'll see patches from myself and Guillaume. This should be enough to allow most Ubuntu installer CDs to work under KVM. In this case, the CDs are using a version of GFXBOOT that doesn't use big real mode, but still relies on an undefined architectural aspect that VT doesn't support. The second stage is to use a loop of x86_emulate() to run all 16-bit code (instead of using vm86 mode). This will allow us to support guests that use big real mode. The best place to start is probably to try out some of the patches on the list, and get familiar with the GFXBOOT assembly routines. There's a #kvm in FreeNode, that's a good place to start if you're having trouble getting started. Regards, Anthony Liguori > Regards, > Mohammed > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > This SF.net email is sponsored by the 2008 JavaOne(SM) Conference > Don't miss this year's exciting event. There's still time to save $100. > Use priority code J8TL2D2. > http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;198757673;13503038;p?http://java.sun.com/javaone > _______________________________________________ > kvm-devel mailing list > kvm-devel@lists.sourceforge.net > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/kvm-devel > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This SF.net email is sponsored by the 2008 JavaOne(SM) Conference Don't miss this year's exciting event. There's still time to save $100. Use priority code J8TL2D2. http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;198757673;13503038;p?http://java.sun.com/javaone _______________________________________________ kvm-devel mailing list kvm-devel@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/kvm-devel
