Porting Linux to x86-64

x86-64 is a new 64bit extension proposed to the existing IA32 architecture. The next generation AMD CPUs will support it. Among others it adds to IA32 64bit pointers, an 48bit address space, 16 general purpose 64 bit integer and 16 SSE registers and a compatibility mode to support old binaries.

The Linux kernel port to x86-64 is based on the existing IA32 port with some extensions like a new syscall mechanism, 64bit support and use of interrupt stacks. It also adds a translation layer to still execute system calls of old IA32 binaries.

The talk gives a short overview of the x86-64 architecture and the new x86-64 ABI and then discusses internals of the kernel port.