Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 18:25:22 -0700 From: charon@freethought.org To: "NO DATA" <anorak@topsecret.net>, "freebsd-questions@FreeBSD. ORG" <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG> Subject: Re: options MATH_EMULATE Message-ID: <3.0.5.32.19990813182522.00a6a9f0@mail> In-Reply-To: <NDBBJDFMIMOCFNNCEKADOEGMCOAA.anorak@topsecret.net>
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At 12:21 PM 8/13/99 -0400, NO DATA wrote: >(the only dumb question is the one not asked - so here's two:) >How can I tell if I have a math emulator? >What is the penalty for including either of these lines in my kernel >if it is not needed? > >quote from the handbook: >================================================ >options MATH_EMULATE >This line allows the kernel to simulate a math co-processor if your >computer does not have one (386 or 486SX). If you have a Pentium, a >486DX, or a 386 or 486SX with a separate 387 or 487 chip, you can >comment this line out. I assume your first question is asking how to tell if you have a math co-processor? A math "emulator" is what the kernel would provide - necessary only if you don't have a math co-processor. If I do understand you right, then you tell just by knowing what kind of CPU you have. If you don't know this offhand, typing 'dmesg | more' will tell you. Just like the handbook says, if you have a 486SX or 386, leave the line in, and if you have a 486DX or higher (Pentium) system, comment it out. I don't know what exactly will happen if you leave the line in unnecessarily, but I believe the computer will just ignore it (it _is_ uncommented in GENERIC, after all). All that does is add some unnecessary size to your kernel. -Charon To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-questions" in the body of the message
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