Hello, With some effort, I was able to get the latest Debian SID distribution working on a PowerBook 3400c, using the following methods:
1) BootX: Using BootX from Mac OS may be the most straightforward way to boot a Linux kernel or kernel/initrd on an Old World Mac, including the PowerBook 3400c. However, Debian's Linux config file contains this line: CONFIG_BOOTX_TEXT=y Due to an apparent bug in BootX that has existed for many years, CONFIG_BOOTX_TEXT=y causes BootX to hang. I've confirmed that a custom kernel with CONFIG_BOOTX_TEXT not set boots via BootX without any problems. 2) iQUIK A modified Debian Linux kernel (that still has CONFIG_BOOTX_TEXT=y) boots on a PowerBook 3400c, if the kernel is recompiled with the following config file changes: a) Remove DEBUG and KEYS entries (this is necessary whenever recompiling any Debian Linux kernel). b) Change "CONFIG_SCSI_MESH=m" to "CONFIG_SCSI_MESH=y". I'm not sure why this change should be necessary when booting a kernel/initrd, but with "CONFIG_SCSI_MESH=m", the kernel hangs while examining PATA devices. If anyone is interested, I can post a summary of what is needed to boot Linux on a PowerBook 3400c using iQUIK. ----- Adrian, If possible, please change "CONFIG_SCSI_MESH=m" to "CONFIG_SCSI_MESH=y" in the default Debian Linux config file for Old World Macs. That would allow the default Debian Linux kernel/initrd to boot on a PowerBook 3400c without any need to recompile. Also, unless there is a reason why it is needed (e.g. on PowerPC systems that use GRUB?), please also remove "CONFIG_BOOTX_TEXT=y" to allow BootX to be used to boot the default Debian Linux kernel/initrd on a PowerBook 3400c. thanks -Stan Johnson
