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AMD GeodeTM GX Processors
Building a Linux Image


1.0 Scope
This document discusses the materials needed and the steps involved in building a Linux image on a system based on an
AMD GeodeTM GX processor*. This document is intended to augment the README files that accompany the drivers and
patches provided by AMD.


2.0 Discussion

2.1 Materials
This build was performed with the following:
1) Redhat v9.0 standard three CD installation set.
2) Linux Kernel v2.4.24 source (ftp://ftp.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.4/linux-2.4.24.tar.bz2).
3) AMD patches and drivers (www.amd.com):
-- Kernel Patches (linux-2.4.24-geode.patch).
-- Audio Driver (Audio_LinuxOSS_GX2_2.0.6_src.tar.gz).
-- XFree86 Driver/Patches (Graphics_LinuxXFree86_GX2_2.8.6_src.tar.gz).
4) XFree86 Source XFree86-4.3.0-2.src.rpm (Redhat v9.0 Source CD1).


2.2 Overview
1) Install Linux with Redhat v9.0.
2) Build new kernel with kernel patches and audio:
a) Install kernel source.
b) Apply AMD kernel patches to stock linux-2.4.24 kernel.
c) Install AMD OSS (Open Sound System) drivers into patched kernel.
d) Build and install the kernel.
e) Verify the new kernel is executing.
3) Build XFree86:
a) Install GCC (GNU C-compiler).
b) Install X development RPMs (Glide3 packages).
c) Install AMD XFree86 source code.
d) Build XFree86.
e) Install XFree86.
f) Tune XFree86.




*The AMD Geode GX [email protected] processor operates at 400 MHz, the AMD Geode GX [email protected] processor operates at 366 MHz, and the AMD Geode GX
[email protected] processor operates at 333 MHz. Model numbers reflect performance as described here: http://www.amd.com/connectivitysolutions/geodegxbenchmark.

32089A - July 2004 - Confidential 1
Application Note

32089A - July 2004 - Confidential



2.3 Details
Building the kernel can be performed on any Linux system. This saves time, as a very fast system can be selected, and
additionally, the results can be saved and new Linux systems for Geode GX processors can be rebuilt quickly.
XFree86 must be built on a compatible system (i.e., the same distribution (Redhat v9.0 in this case)). Given this constraint,
it is advantageous to find a good build system, as XFree86 takes up to eight times longer to build than the kernel.

2.3.1 Install Linux with Redhat v9.0
Install a workstation version of the system with developer tools included.
Follow the distribution instructions and install a stock Redhat system. The system should be operational, if not optimized for
operation with the Geode GX processor.
Refer to the Redhat v9.0 Installation Guide if necessary: http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-9-Manual/install-
guide/

2.3.2 Build New Kernel with Kernel Patches and Audio
The kernel README is a valuable resource: http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/README
1) Install GCC, if not already done, by installing the workstation version of Redhat:
-- This was done on the Redhat v9.0 by going to the RPM (Redhat Package Manager) (System Settings ->
Add/Remove Applications), selecting "Development Tools" and updating.
2) Install the kernel source:
-- Decompress and restore the bz2 file containing the kernel source, linux-2.4.24.tar.bz2. By convention, the source is
unwound at: /usr/src.