source: trunk/BUILD.NFO@ 150

Last change on this file since 150 was 54, checked in by Ben Rietbroek, 12 years ago

Preparing for v1.1.0 [2013-04-05]

During v1.0.8 it was decided that odd minor numbers will be
test-versions. Since v1.0.8 was actually a test-version with several
test-releases but with an even minor number, it was decided to bump the
final release to v1.1.0.

Thus, v1.1.1 will be the next test-version after the upcoming official
v1.1.0 release. When such test-versions are published, for instance to
get feedback, or solve a particular issue, the build-date and BLDLEVEL
information will identify such a test-release. This information can be
viewed by pressing the TAB-key while the Main Menu is displayed. Such
test-releases will also have a slightly different visual appearance to
distinguish them from official releases.

Because all test-versions between official releases identify themselves
with the same version number, upgrading from one test-release to another
requires the /forcecode option on the Installer.

Following this scheme, v1.1.2 will be the next official release after
the upcoming v1.1.0 release.

It is possible however, that major changes break compatibility with
previous releases, in which case the middle number will be incremented
to reflect this.

Note that this commit still identifies as v1.0.8.

Changes

o Bumped version information to v1.1.0
o Updated version dependent code in the Installers and SETABOOT.EXE

File size: 2.6 KB
Line 
1===============================================================================
2 BUILD.NFO -- Information on building AiR-BOOT v1.1.0
3===============================================================================
4
5Building AiR-BOOT and the support tools has been completely revamped
6in this version. The code has been "de-tasmized" so it can now also
7be assembled with JWasm, which is the preferred assembler as of this version.
8
9The DOS batch-files have been replaced by Open Watcom Makefiles that
10can be used on: DOS, Windows, OS/2 and Linux.
11This greatly enhances the build-environment, which was previously DOS-only.
12
13The Open Watcom Linker is now used, which obsoletes the use of the (DOS-only)
14exe2bin and TLink programs. WLink replaces the functionality of both while
15also adding extensive cross-platform support.
16
17Several cross-reference files are generated, like object disassemblies
18and executable header dumps. This aids development in checking for assembler
19generation and the correctness of that code.
20
21The (DOS-only) FIXCODE.COM program that is used to embed the MBR-protection
22in the AiR-BOOT image has been replaced by platform specific versions.
23This does away with the need to run a DOS-only program in the tool-chain,
24and thus enables building AiR-BOOT on Linux.
25
26The preferred assembler is now JWasm.
27While Tasm4/Masm6 and Wasm are also supported, their use should be of an
28experimental nature only. Limitations for checking section overlaps
29and other assembler specific directives inhibit the use of JWasm to
30it's fullest capability.
31Since JWasm is open-source and mature, there is no need to support other
32assemblers in future releases of AiR-BOOT.
33
34The JWasmD extended DOS version needs DPMI 'enabled' and XMS set to 0
35to be able to run in an eCS DOS session.
36The DOS build-environment will probably be discontinued in
37the future due to it's many restrictions. DOS specific targets can
38be built on the other platforms.
39
40The Open Watcom tool-chain in combination with JWasm is now the
41default tool-chain.
42
43Building AiR-BOOT v1.1.0 requires the following tools:
44- Open Watcom Make Utility v1.9 or higher
45- Open Watcom 16-bits C-Compiler v1.9 or higher
46- Open Watcom 32-bits C-Compiler v1.9 or higher
47- Open Watcom Linker v1.9 or higher
48- JWasm Assembler v2.06d or higher
49
50As a convenience a simple GNUmakefile also exists where a Makefile exists.
51The GNUmakefile forwards to the normal Makefile enabing Linux users to run the
52familiar "make" command. Target passing is supported.
53
54Note that only the loader, installer and setaboot targets are built.
55No floppy, cd-rom, etc. images.
56
57
58Rousseau.
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