by I am long reading in os2.newgroup.
It is the first time I post the News and have some input to this organization
The ISA Bus 8 bit 16 bit IO slot which the I/O card of hard disk is
insert.In 16 bit slot (long then 8 bit but short then VESA local bus)
has about 24 address line which can accessed 16 Mbyte of system memory.
This put the limit on system RAM.Because the programe come from hard disk
by DMA or polling IO to system RAM and start executation.If the program is
within 16 Mbyte imply after 16Mbyte can use swap place or Video card ,..
other use.BUT if the IDE disk controller card is used the VESA local bus
the address line is more than 24 line,no 16 Mbyte limit.
The limit of hard disk size is BIOS call .They use 16 bit register(AX,BX..)
to pass parameter in disk I/O.The parameter in 16 bit register is allocate
10 bit for cyclinder,6 bit for head/sector....This put the restriction
of 1024 cylinder.But once os2 is booted.IT use its BIOS / not in ROM of
mother board.It has no problem it partition after 1024 cylinder.(This is
old stuff of 16 bit progame but not 32 bit os2)).
This is the case for my Quantum 540 Millon byte hard disk which has 1060
hard disk.I usen boot partition before 1024 and access other partition
all to 1060 cyclinder.
Any correction is welcome.I get information from my memory which is base on
books and documatation in hardware with some thinking.I could be wrong
for not getting all information.
DAVIS LIU .