lxt64(1)                                                               lxt64(1)

 NAME

  lxt64 - runs Linux/Alpha programs on a Tru64 UNIX system

 SYNOPSIS

  /usr/opt/lxt64/bin/lxt64 [exename] [arg ...]

 OPERANDS

      exename
	    Specifies the full pathname of the Linux/Alpha program to
	    be run.

      arg ...
	    Specifies any arguments to be included on the
	    exename command line.

 DESCRIPTION

    The lxt64 utility is used to run Linux/Alpha executables on a Tru64 UNIX
    system. It consists of an ELF program loader and a collection of
    Linux/Alpha shared libraries. The lxt64 utility enables most dynamically
    linked, non-administrative programs (those typically located in /usr/sbin
    and /sbin) to run without modification.

    Executable file format and system call semantics are two
    impediments to running Linux/Alpha executables on Tru64 UNIX systems. The
    lxt64 utility solves these problems as follows:

    +  Executable file format

       Linux uses the ELF executable format, whereas Tru64 UNIX software sup-
       ports only the ECOFF object file format.  The lxt64 utility solves this
       problem by providing a user-mode ELF program loader.

    +  System call semantics

       The system call semantics for Linux/Alpha software are derived from
       those used by Tru64 UNIX software, and the majority of system call
       behavior is identical between the two operating systems.  However,
       there are some small differences.  The lxt64 utility uses a modified
       version of libc.so to account for these differences.  Note that han-
       dling the system call differences in libc.so implies that only dynami-
       cally linked executables can be supported.

  NOTES

    This software is an Early Adopter Kit provided as part of the Linux and
    Tru64 UNIX Portability Tools.  Source code is included for reference.
    Please send comments and suggestions to lt64Affinity@compaq.com.