OpenBSD Stories: The closest thing to cute kittens (OpenBSD/zaurus)
a day ago
- #Retro Computing
- #OpenBSD History
- #ARM Porting
- In the 1990s, home computer users wanted Unix-like systems, leading to various BSD porting efforts that later merged into NetBSD, including NetBSD/arm32 in 1996.
- OpenBSD initially had ARM code but removed it in 2001 due to lack of developer interest and hardware, but remained open to ARM ports if a suitable platform emerged.
- Before porting OpenBSD to the Sharp Zaurus handheld, a solid ARM foundation was needed, leading to the selection of the Chalice Technologies CATS board with an Intel SA-110 StrongArm processor.
- Dale Rahn began porting NetBSD/cats to OpenBSD in late 2003, facing challenges with the ABLE firmware, including boot issues, hardware overclocking, and DMA problems.
- Simtec provided support and hardware to OpenBSD developers, but firmware bugs, such as incorrect oscillator chips and jumper settings, caused stability and boot issues that were gradually resolved.
- By early 2004, OpenBSD/cats achieved basic functionality, allowing SSH access and paving the way for the subsequent Zaurus porting effort.