Glossary

This short and never complete list is about giving you a short reference of the used terms in this article.

bootstrap compiler:

A minimal compiler for building runtime libraries and operating system kernels.

configure:

A script included in a source package for building a Makefile from a sequence of templates.

cross compiler:

A cross compiler is used for building binaries, in common executable files for a platform different from the one you're working on.

DHCP:

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol allows a central administration of IP addresses among others.

gdb:

The GNU debugger.

GNU/Hurd:

The kernel of the GNU project, composed of a microkernel and a lot of processes for encapsulating the services e.g. for filesystems.

inittab:

This file controls the processes to be started at system booting time.

IPv6:

Next generation Internet.

IRC:

Internet Relay Chat.

Makefile:

A "recipe" for building a program from source.

NAT:

Network address translation. Hide several hosts behind one real IP address and all related problems and features.

linker:

A program for gluing libraries and object files together.

Linux distribution:

The Linux kernel including some essential userland programs.

process id:

The unique number of a running or sleeping process.

root file system:

The file system mounted at /.

serial loader:

A serial loader is a set of two programs: A server and a client. The server waits on your SEGA Dreamcast for a connecting client. The client transfers an image file to the server, which the server after completion executes.

strip:

A tool for removing sections of a compiled program needed for debugging.

TCO:

Total Cost Of Ownership. These are the costs you have to pay for running something, e.g. power, connection costs, administration etc.

Toolchain:

A toolchain is the amount of programs for compiling a program.

uClibc:

A very minimal C - library, especially for embedded devices.

VMU:

The Visual Memory Unit is a small flash memory card.