2. Overview

2.1. The IBM RS6000 43P 7248-133

This chapter contains a short overview over the 7248-133 and Linux for PowerPC. The data for the other 7248 models should not be too different from this.

The IBM RS/6000 43P model 7248-133 is a not extremely new PReP based PowerPC workstation which was produced from 1995 through 1997. The 43P series includes a lot of machines, both CHRP and PReP based. Our model has among other things this to offer:

• PReP architecture

• 132MHz PowerPC model 604 processor

• 512K synchronous L2 cache

• Max 192MB RAM (EDO)

• Integrated ncr53c810 SCSI-2 controller

• Integrated IDE controller

• Integrated AMD PCnet32 PCI ethernet adapter

• Integrated IBM E15 2MB graphics adapter based on the S3 Vision864 chip

• Integrated Crystal Audio cs4232 sound adapter

• 1.44MB Floppy disk drive

• IBM 8X SCSI CD-ROM drive

• Usually equipped with a 1.2MB IBM DPES 31080 SCSI hardisk

You can find more information at IBM's sales manual for this machine, found at this horrible URL

Linux has a native port to the PowerPC processor, and all official code is maintained in the main kernel tree. The main part of the port was done by Gary Thomas. The story of the port can be found here. For more information on running Linux on the PowerPC processor, check out the LinuxPPC homepage http://www.penguinppc.org.

2.2. What's the matter, why not use the original installation procedure?

The LinuxPPC-2000 Q4 distribution is made primary for the PowerMac Apple Macintosh. The installation programs has therefore no direct support for the 7248 nor the PReP architechture in general. But no worries, we'll make a few hacks, some manual configuration, and make it work anyway. Don't despair, this document will lead you through it, step by step.

2.3. An overview on what to do

Here is what we are going to do:

• Set up the hardware properly ("BIOS settings") with IBM's System Management Services (SMS)

• Get installation files from CD or FTP

• Make boot floppies

• Get the machine to boot and start the installation program

• Partition the hard drives

• Install the system

• Boot the system

• Set up networking

• Update the kernel and set up X

• Set up sound