init

init is the first program that runs when Retro Rocket starts. It takes care of the initial setup: mounting filesystems, loading drivers, creating a RAM disk, and finally launching the shell (rocketsh).

What it does

• Sets the default library path for BASIC programs.
• Loads drivers (for example, network support).
• Mounts system filesystems such as /devices and /boot.
• Sets the keyboard layout.
• Creates a 1 GB RAM disk at /ramdisk so you have scratch space to save and run programs in LiveCD mode.
• Displays the boot logo and prepares the screen.
• Finally, launches the shell (rocketsh). If the shell ever exits, init simply restarts it.

Usage

You never need to run init yourself - it is started automatically at boot.

Installed systems

When Retro Rocket is installed to a hard disk, the init program is just another BASIC program stored under /programs. This means you can freely edit it, customise it, and even replace parts of the startup process to suit your own needs.

Notes

• On the LiveCD, init is fixed.
• On an installed system, you are in full control - it’s your startup script.
• Be careful: if you remove or break the call to rocketsh, you may end up without a shell!