3. System requirements

Contents of this section

The list of required items has already been written in the current Linux/m68k FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), so we just quote from there (thanks to Joerg Mayer for putting the FAQ together - good work!)



2. Requirements to run Linux/m68k
=================================

2.1 Processor
-------------
You need a Motorola 680x0 processor *with PMMU*. There is *no way* to run
it without one. This reduces the list of possible processors to 68020+68851,
68030, 68040, 68LC040, 68060. Currently only the 68020+68851, 68030 and
68040 are supported. At this stage you will also need a 68881 or 68882 FPU
if you don't have a 68040.  An FPU is not strictly necessary as it can be
emulated with the normal processor, however nobody has written the code to
do so. This list of processors excludes the 68000, 68010, 68EC020, 68EC030,
68EC040.  Linux/m68k can *never* run on these processors as they lack a PMMU
and an interface for an external one (this is "true" for all machines but
some pretty old Suns :-).
The following Amigas have the "right" processor built-in: A3000, A3000T,
A4000/40 (not! A4000/30 which has a 68EC030 processor) and A2500/30.
The following Ataris (or clones) have the "right" processor built-in:
Atari Falcon (FPU is not standard but needed!), Atari TT, Medusa, Eagle
(not yet supported). Note: In some of the older TTs there is a bug in the PAL
controlling the access to the FPU. This may cause a crash (see 7.2.1).
Any processor upgrade card with a 68040 or 68030+68881/2 (like PAK/3) is able
to run Linux.
Note2: On the Amiga, there exists a program called "lawbreaker" (part of the
enforcer package). This program allows you to check whether you have a working
PMMU or not (it needs to generate 4 hits in combination with enforcer).

2.2 RAM
-------
Note 1: On the Amiga the size of FastRAM is relevant.
Note 2: If you have an Amiga with 16-bit expansion RAM on a GVP card, see
  "Known bugs".
It is possible to boot Linux/m68k with as little as 2 MB. Now you know that
the kernel works on your system - that's it. If you want to work with it you
should have at least 4 MB (8 MB with an X-server).

2.3 Harddisk
------------
If you want to do more than just boot Linux/m68k you will need 80 - oo
(infinity) MB of space on your hard disk and a supported hard disk controller.
Add another 20 MB for X.

2.4 Software
------------
Amiga: In order to run amiboot you need AmigaDOS 2.0 or higher (expansion.lib-
rary V36+) and at least version 39 of ixemul.library.
Amiga: amiboot works with SetPatch and RsrvMem (part of Emplant) running. It
  doesn't work with VMM running.


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