You might want to check out the Linux BIOS project at www.linuxbios.org.
Erik Andersen wrote:
> On Fri Nov 17, 2000 at 06:20:17PM -0800, Benjamin Chow wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm looking to bring linux to a custom single board computer based on
> > National Semiconductor's GEODE reference designs.
> >
> > My question is: what is the relationship between linux and the BIOS?
> > Does linux use BIOS calls to interface to hardware or can it be made to talk
> > directly to the hardware?
>
> Linux mostly uses the pc BIOS as a glorified bootloader. Most PC hardware
> requires the BIOS to set up the hardware, turn on caches, and generally get the
> box ready for an OS to run. Once it is running, Linux ignores the BIOS (except
> for a few evil things such as the abomination that is APM). VESA framebuffer
> also uses the BIOS to set things up, after which the BIOS is ignored.
>
> Anyways, yes it is very possible to run linux with only the smallest bit of
> bootloader firmware. No, Linux does not use all the silly Bios interrupts.
> Running on a NS GEODE is easy as cake (unless you are a midi user).
>
> -Erik
> Erik B. Andersen email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> --This message was written using 73% post-consumer electrons--
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