On 8/10/2014 2:39 AM, Reco wrote: > Hi. > > On Sun, 10 Aug 2014 04:40:05 +0300 > Martin T <m4rtn...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hi, >> >> according to wiki, Debian is supported on little-endian ARM >> architecture. However, then wiki lists some sub-architectures which >> are supported. For example iop32x, ixp4xx, kirkwood and orion5x. Does >> this mean that Debian ARM port works on fairly limited number of >> sub-architectures? For example all the ARM-based embedded boards would >> probably not work with Debian ARM port? > > There's a difference between x86 and ARM, and that difference is > hardware enumeration. x86 provides OS with one, ARM does not. > > To boot any Linux on ARM and to work with any hardware, one does need > so called 'device tree' ([1]) compiled into the kernel. > > So, to answer your question - you have 100% guarantee that booting any > of armel Debian kernel won't be successful and will end with kernel > panic in the best case for any of those ARM-based embedded boards. > > Now, if you manage to build a working kernel for that specific board > and boot it - sure you can use any part of Debian with the board short > of the stock kernel(s). > > [1] http://lwn.net/Articles/448502/ > > PS I'm happy user of kirkwood family Debian kernel :) > > Reco > >
I don't think the x86 architecture provides ANY hardware enumeration. The processor couldn't care less. It's all about ports and interrupts. It's the kernel which provides the actual enumeration. However, there is a difference in the instruction set for each type of processor. The same binary machine code means one thing in the x86 architecture, and something completely different in the ARM architecture. *Most* C programs can be compiled for both, but much of the hardware-dependent code (i.e. kernel, device drivers) will be device-dependent and will need modifications. Jerry -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-user-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org Archive: https://lists.debian.org/53e7b91f.7040...@attglobal.net
