path: root/FAQ.in

	    Frequently Asked Questions about the GNU C Library

This document tries to answer questions a user might have when installing
and using glibc.  Please make sure you read this before sending questions or
bug reports to the maintainers.

The GNU C library is very complex.  The installation process has not been
completely automated; there are too many variables.  You can do substantial
damage to your system by installing the library incorrectly.  Make sure you
understand what you are undertaking before you begin.

If you have any questions you think should be answered in this document,
please let me know.

						  --drepper@cygnus.com

? Compiling glibc

??	What systems does the GNU C Library run on?

{UD} This is difficult to answer.  The file `README' lists the architectures
GNU libc was known to run on *at some time*.  This does not mean that it
still can be compiled and run on them now.

The systems glibc is known to work on as of this release, and most probably
in the future, are:

	*-*-gnu			GNU Hurd
	i[3456]86-*-linux-gnu	Linux-2.x on Intel
	m68k-*-linux-gnu	Linux-2.x on Motorola 680x0
	alpha-*-linux-gnu	Linux-2.x on DEC Alpha
	powerpc-*-linux-gnu     Linux and MkLinux on PowerPC systems
	sparc-*-linux-gnu	Linux-2.x on SPARC
	sparc64-*-linux-gnu	Linux-2.x on UltraSPARC
	arm-*-none		ARM standalone systems
	arm-*-linuxaout		Linux-2.x on ARM using a.out binaries

Ports to other Linux platforms are in development, and may in fact work
already, but no one has sent us success reports for them.  Currently no
ports to other operating systems are underway, although a few people have
expressed interest.

If you have a system not listed above (or in the `README' file) and you are
really interested in porting it, contact

	<bug-glibc@gnu.org>

??	What compiler do I need to build GNU libc?

{UD} You must use GNU CC to compile GNU libc.  A lot of extensions of GNU CC
are used to increase portability and speed.

GNU CC is found, like all other GNU packages, on

	ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu

and the many mirror sites.  ftp.gnu.org is always overloaded, so try to find
a local mi