Proposed Kernel Versions for ATB
		--------------------------------


The Goals of the repository:
----------------------------
- To make sure that people are using the same versions of
  everything as far as possible.

- To provide a focal point for controlling changes and
  documenting who is using which version.

- To provide a central point where people can get the compiled
  kernels with all the options etc.

- To document and control the changes that will happen and
  reduce the overall effort.



Suggested Versions and patches:
-------------------------------
- CERN RH 5.1 (kernel 2.0.35) with AFS and bigphysarea patch.

- SMP aware version with AFS: currently a 2.1.* series version
  has been compiled by Tony (no AFS). The above 2.0.35 version
  for SMP will be available but has not got the latest updates
  for SMP. This should be used at the moment. Once the 2.2.0
  series comes out (it is SMP aware with latest upgrades) then use
  that version. Should be in the next month. AFS version hopefully
  in the next 3-4 months depending on testing.

- All kernels in repository should be compiled for SMP and
  uni-processors.



Additional requirements:
------------------------
- architecture 586 and 686. It is proposed to compile for 586
  which will also work for 686. Please notify if 386/486 is
  required. The use of just one architecture removes archiecture
  specific optimizations that might cause differing results.

- ability to turn the use of AFS on or off at boot time. This
  should be possible with a boot time parameter.

- If people are using the AFS CERN ASIS repository for programs
  and AFS is turned off then ASIS can be mounted via NFS,
  installed locally or used from the ASIS CD.



Suggestions for implementation:
-------------------------------
- Use gcc 2.7.2.3 for kernel compilation (because of problem with
  kernel compilation under egcs)

- Use gcc or egcs for other compilations. Default at CERN is egcs
  and information on using gcc instead can be obtained from
  Marc Dobson or Tony Wildish (just a matter of finding the correct
  path).

- Use glibc for all compilations and avoid using libc5 which is
  deprecated.

- implement the following kernel compilaion options:
   - module versioning off
   - kerneld on (dynamic module loading)
   - compile all that is possible as modules except Ramdisk, initial
     ramdisk, minix, ext2 support and ELF.

- procedure for standardisation for non existant versions (see
  next two items).

- Introduction of a contact person for Linux repository (Marc Dobson).
  Their role would be to:
   - Maintain a web page with information about the Linux kernel
     versions used in the community
   - provide those kernel versions via the page with full information
     on the way they are built
   - coordinate the introduction of new kernels to minimise divergances.

- Two people will be responsible for the kernel repository (Marc Dobson
  and Tony Wildish).
  Other people can build their own kernels if they wish, of course,
  but if they build or need a kernel that is not documented by the
  responsible people then they are strongly requested to inform them
  so that information, and their versions of the kernel, can be made
  available in a suitable manner. Contributed kernels are acceptable
  if the originator gives full information on how it was made.

- suggestion of a boot server not just a repository. This is not a
  priority and will be longer term, however it is accepted as a very
  valuable tool in the management of large farms/clusters.

- suggestion of floppy disks with repository kernels as
  alternative/precursor to the above suggestion. This is also a
  longer term item but as kernels will be available on the web,
  people can make their own floppies. The modules and header files
  from the source directory should be copied onto the local disk
  (not enough space on floppy).

- a suggestion of a CD containing all the supported kernel versions
  was suggested. It seems a good idea to include a production version
  of the reference software with the kernels. This might be particularly
  usefull for outside institutes.