[Debian-ppc64-devel] Re: How to start installation on an IBM power5

[David Gaya]

I'm putting all information, that I got from you, together in a new email.

How to install Debian on an IBM power5=20
=09=09
This is my experience trying to install Debian on an IBM iSeries using
POWER5 processor, model 9406-520.
This information should be valid for newest IBM pservers power5 based
because all IBM power5 systems are nowadays using same hardware and
same virtualization engine.

I first booted Gentoo for ppc64.
Gentoo has a boot CD for powerpc 64bits, it uses kernel 2.6.11. It is
very handly
to see if all your hardware is detected. And to be confident for the
next steps. It even helps partitioning your disks and formating.

IBM power5 systems, rather pSeries or iSeries, all require 2.6 kernels and =
they=20
must be compiled for 64 bits. No way, 32 bits kernel don't work.
So don't waste any time trying any POWER4 stuff on IBM POWER5 systems.

Is there any Debian ppc64 boot CD ?
No there isn't yet. The best way you can boot is using network boot.=20
=09ONLY FOR ISERIES
=09If you have an IBM iSeries and your Logical Partition is OS400 controlle=
d.
=09Then you have an alternate boot option, you can boot from the NWS descri=
ption.
=09In OS400 partition with the CHGNWSD command, specify 'IPL source' to '*S=
MTF'=20
=09and 'IPS stream file' to Cajus's boot file, for example '/home/linux.bin=
'
=09Then power on Linux partition.

Is debian-installer available for ppc64 ?
Not officially, but Cajus Pollmeier has done a wonderful work. Please see=
=20
http://debian.gonicus.de/debian/dists/sarge/main/disks-powerpc/current/pser=
ies/
Thanks a lot Cajus.

At this point kernel should boot and start debian-installer. I had to do tw=
o=20
additional steps, because hardware is not auto detected I had to first load
network card ibmveth module manualy. Later, my scsi neither was
detected so I had
to go to a shell and 'modprobe ibmvscsic'. Then I resumed installation.

I haven't finish yet, I have to work out booting from disk.

Thanks to all and regards,
david