CSCE 351 Operating System Kernels
Fall 2001
Steve Goddard
Team Programming Assignment 2 (PA2), November 1
Due: 6:00pm November 12
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Macros vs. Function Calls
In this assignment each team will modify the hwint_master and hwint_slave macros in
mpx386.s so the operations now performed by the save function are performed inline.
Measure the change in code size due to making the change.
Measure the change in performance, if any due to the code change.
Are macros or functions better in this case? Explain.
Alternate Kernel Boot Option
Making the changes described above will require rebuilding the MINIX kernel. This is a very
risky thing. If you make a mistake in the code change or in the build process, the system may
simply not boot! A common technique to avoid losing everything is to always keep a “known,
good” kernel from which you can boot. This can be done by making a boot diskette or by
changing the boot/loader program to provide the option of loading the stable kernel or you new
evaluation kernel.
For this assignment, modify the MINIX bootstrap/loader code achieve this goal. You should be
prompted with choice of loading the original kernel or one of the evaluation kernels you have
built.
Grading Policy for Programs
The programs you hand in should work correctly and be documented. When you hand in your
programming assignment, you should include:
1. A program listing containing in-line documentation clearly identifying what changes you
made. Only turn in files that you changed (or created).
