Topic: Direct ISOLINUX loading
started by: mionica
Posted by mionica on Mar. 26 2006,21:42
| Quote |
| One suggestion for your patched ISOLINX.BIN: change default folder from '/boot/isolinux' to '/boot/ezboot', then you can load an IMG file this way: bcdw /ezboot/isolinux.bin memdisk initrd=setup98.img |
Actually, I'm getting quite familiar with the isolinux code.
I guess the best approach would be building some ISOLINUX-based modules which EasyBoot could use directly (as you use BCDW right now). And I am willing to do it, since boot CDs are a hobby of mine.
I thought of three modules worth creating:
1. ilconfig <[path/]configfile> - would load the specified config file and run it
2. isolinux <command line> - would run the specified command line
3. memdsk <[path/]image> [parameters] - would load the specified image with memdisk.
The first would be useful for full-blown live linuxes (Insert, Knoppix etc); the second would be useful for the cases when a full isolinux menu is not worth the effort (Paragon CD's), while the third - and most used - would make all the users of .ima's happy.
Of course, the first one is the only necessary one, since the later two can be emulated with the first (at the cost of additional .cfg files though).
I am willing to develop such modules, since I would be their happiest user; however, I would require active cooperation from you.
This is what I had in mind: could you make a (private) EasyBoot version which, besides the normal commands, also implements another one, xrun <file> [arguments] - which would build a bootinfotable, load the file at a specified address (you tell me which, I don't suggest using 07C0:0000), and also stores the arguments string as ASCIIZ at another address (you tell me which one, or where to get the pointer to it).
If you could do this, I would have the background to actively develop my plugins (ilconfig, at first). When it is working and checked, you would add to the public EasyBoot the code to load the .bin I would provide, as ilconfig <[path/]configfile>.
Also, since ISOLINUX is GPL, my source code would also have to be published. Moreover, you wouldn't be able to add my .BIN to the EasyBoot setup kit; you could provide however the asm+bin archive on your site, with a download link in both the help and the "features" web page.
What do you think? It may be good to have this thing. Full Linux compatibility... That would shed some topics off the forum...
Regards.
Posted by xoben on Mar. 27 2006,04:03
Thanks for the suggestion. A specification for EasyBoot Extensions(EBE) will be available soon.
Posted by mionica on Mar. 27 2006,15:18
Excellent. I eargerly await it.
Posted by Guest on May 10 2006,12:18
bump!I mean, I would like that too!!