Transformation Methodology of Binary Executables to Run on Bare Machines

Abstract

This paper identifies challenges involved in the transformation of binary executables to run on bare machines such as PCs. It also addresses why we want to transform binary executables to run on bare machines. Text processing applications such as “vi,” “word,” and “notepad” are chosen to illustrate the need for transformation because these editors are the most commonly used across many operating system platforms, including Windows and Linux. They have much functionality in common to provide a general text processing application. Why not consolidate these standard functions and develop a generic text processing application? How do you make these editors without any platform dependencies? Transforming these applications to run on bare PCs or bare machines by using source or a binary level transformation will address these challenges. A binary transformation methodology described here lays the groundwork for further research in this area and provides some insight into the transformation process.