The boot sector of each kernel contains a set of configuration parameters
that have to be available at boot time before the kernel can access
file systems. These parameters can be set when the kernel is compiled and
later be changed with programs like <#403#> rdev<#403#>. LILO
\ can supersede
the parameters (in memory) at boot time by placing the corresponding
items on the parameter line passed to the kernel.
The parameters are stored at the following (decimal) offsets:
- 497
- the size of the setup code in sectors (512 bytes). Older kernels
may put a zero at this place.
- 498-499
- is a flag specifying whether the root file system should be
mounted read-only (if non-zero) or read-write (if zero).
- 500-501
- the size of the kernel, counted in paragraphs (16 bytes).
- 502-503
- this parameter is currently unused.
- 504-505
- the size of the RAM disk in kilobytes. No RAM disk is
created if this parameter is set to zero.
- 506-507
- the text mode the VGA is set to.
- 0xFFFD
- the user is asked to specify the VGA mode at boot time.
- 0xFFFE
- uses 80x50 (``extended'') mode.
- 0xFFFF
- uses 80x25 (``normal'') mode.
Any other value selects the corresponding mode as displayed in the
interactive VGA mode selection menu. This is the only option that is set
by LILO by patching the boot sector instead of passing it on the parameter
line.
- 508
- the minor number of the device that should be mounted as root.
- 509
- the major number of the device that should be mounted as root.