IA-64 Linux Kernel: Design and Implementation (Paperback)

~ (Author), Stephane Eranian (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The book starts with an overview of Linux and the IA-64 architecture and then discusses each major subsystem of the kernel in more detail. Among others, there are separate chapters on how multi-tasking maps onto the underlying hardware, on the virtual memory subsystem, device support (programemd I/O, DMA & interrupts), symmetric multi-processing (SMP), and on the bootstrap procedure needed to bring a computer to live. These chapters place great emphasis not just on the "what", but also on the "how" and "why" of how Linux accomplishes its tasks. Each chapter has two primary components: the first describes the interfaces that the Linux kernel uses to abstract platform differences, and the second describes how these interfaces have been realized for IA-64. This structure makes the book useful not just to those readers interested specifically in IA-64 Linux, but also to anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of how Linux works on other platform.

From the Back Cover

The authoritative guide to the IA-64 Linux kernel implementation.

• Authoritative and complete description of the Linux kernel for IA-64/IPF (Itanium Processor Family)
• Provides an in-depth discussion of the ideas and concepts behind the Linux hardware abstraction interfaces, the IA-64 design space, and their actual realization
• From the lead architects and developers of the IA-64 Linux kernel

The IA-64 architecture and Itanium processors are designed to offer unprecedented levels of performance, expandability, and reliability—and with the delivery of the IA-64 Linux kernel, that power is now accessible to every Linux developer. In this authoritative book, the IA-64 Linux kernel project's leaders take you "under the hood" with Linux for IA-64, demonstrating exactly how it makes the most of the IA-64's breakthrough capabilities.

They begin by introducing the IA-64 architecture, instruction set, and key features. Next, they cover every major Linux kernel subsystem in unprecedented detail, presenting the interfaces used by Linux to abstract hardware differences and showing how these interfaces have been realized in the IA-64 environment. Coverage includes:

• Processes, tasks, and threads, including thread interfaces and synchronization
• The virtual memory subsystem: address spaces, page tables, page fault handling, and coherency
• Device support: programmed I/O, DMA, and interrupts
• Symmetric multiprocessing: Linux locking principles and their implementation on IA-64
• Kernel entry and exit: interruptions, system calls, signals, and user memory access
• Bootstrapping: firmware, bootloader, and kernel initialization
• System performance monitoring: usage, kernel support, and Itanium extensions
• IA-32 compatibility: architectural support and Linux support for running legacy 32-bit applications

This book not only focuses on the ideas and concepts you need to work with this radically innovative architecture: it illuminates the key issues associated with Linux kernel operation on any platform, existing or new.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR (February 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130610143
• ISBN-13: 978-0130610140
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #470,747 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on linux internals, July 5, 2002

By A Customer

My search for a good book on linux internals ended with this book. What makes this book different from the other linux internals is the fact that unlike other books, this book does not dump the kernel code as is. Instead it gives a very good description about various subsystems and design criteria which helps one understand the concept very easily.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about linux/ia64 kernel.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reference, May 14, 2002

By	Jose CASTEJON-AMENEDO (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a terrific text, that simultaneously throws light on the arcane of the IA64 architecture and the Linux kernel. I just wish this book had been available when I started messing around with low-level IA64 stuff.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB!!, September 8, 2003

By	Parry "laptop freak" (MI, USA) - See all my reviews

In one word - EXCELLENT!

I bought this book to fulfill my desire of knowing how an OS works under the hood. I am happy to say this book served the purpose extremely well. In addition, now I better understand all the necessary details of IA-64 architecture. This book not only answers 'how is it done' but also gives a precise 'why' to every 'how'.

Right from the print quality to the content everything is just wonderful. I still enjoy repeatedly reading the Virtual Memory chapter.

This book should certainly be useful to anyone interested in understanding how modern CPUs function. More importantly it will help you gain insight on modern operating system design and implementation along with the finer points of why a particular function is implemented in a certain way.

In all a in-depth, well written book which is also well-built! You should not find anything to complain about it.