Configuration parameters

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.