So? Linux doesn't use them. You're out to lunch, Terry.
>> 2) I don't see the connection between kernel entry and TSS based task
>> switch.
>
>The task switch is implemented by selecting a Tassk Gate descriptor in
>either the GDT or the LDT.
Yes. But it has absolutely _nothing_ to do with system calls.
Using a TSS is required on a x86 in protected mode. It's not optional.
You need at least one, to contain the %esp0 and %ss0 information that
any task will need. You also tend to need it whenever you do any
finegrained IO permission thing from user mode etc.
Linux happens to use one per process, which makes a ton of sense if you
actually know whhat they are used for.
>> Mingo already has patches that replace the current TSS method
>> with software based context switchs.
>
>Good. When these changes have been integrated into the mainstream
>releases, Linux will be as fast as FreeBSD in this regard.
Grow up, Terry. All the benchmarks show fairly clearly that Linux is not
"as fast", but noticeably faster.
The fastest way to enter kernel mode (not counting the new SYSENTER
instruction) is to use a trap gate. Which is what Linux did from day
one.
Linux uses the TSS for context switching of _processes_, not for system
calls. And Terry, if you had bothered to do any benchmarks instead of
just posting stuff that has no basis in reality, you would have seen
that Linux is doing very well indeed both for system calls and context
switches.
But you didn't want to taint your wild theories with anything remotely
resembling truth, now did you?
Linus
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