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README.md

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+# `tbxi`: the Mac OS Toolbox Imager
+
+`tbxi` is a command-line Python script to help with the inspection and
+modification of Macintosh Toolbox ROM images. These images contain
+varying amounts of high-level Mac OS code and low-level boot code.
+
+`tbxi` has two modes, both with a `--help` option:
+
+- `tbxi dump` converts a ROM image to a tree of self-describing text
+  files and small binaries.
+- `tbxi build` rebuilds the image as accurately as possible.
+
+In between running the two commands, the directory tree can be modified.
+The text-file formats produced by `tbxi dump` are designed to be easily
+editable using text editors and scripts.
+
+
+## Background
+
+"OldWorld" (pre-USB) Macs contain a real physical ROM. "NewWorld" Macs
+(iMac and later) have an unusual "ROM in RAM" arrangement, which retains
+compatibility with the ROM-based architecture of the Mac OS while easing
+software updates. An almost-complete legacy ROM image is loaded from the
+"Mac OS ROM" file in the System Folder (type code 'tbxi'), leaving only
+a minimal Open Firmware "Boot ROM" in the hardware.
+
+During the progression from 68k ROMs to NewWorld PowerPC ROMs, multiple
+layers of wrapping and abstraction were added. These are reflected in
+the multi-level output of `tbxi dump`:
+
+- Open Firmware bootinfo file (`Mac OS ROM` => `Bootinfo` textfile + binaries)
+- structured binary of "Parcels" (`Parcels` => `Parcelfile` textfile + binaries)
+- 4 MB PowerPC ROM (`MacROM` => `Configfile-1` textfile + binaries)
+- 3 MB 68k ROM (`Mac68kROM` => `Romfile` textfile + binaries)
+
+
+## Bugs
+
+Some very quirky PowerPC OldWorld ROMs (e.g. PowerBook 1400/2400) cannot
+be rebuilt correctly. NewWorld ROMs of version 2 or later (Sawtooth G4)
+will be slightly different due to an uninitialised buffer in the
+original build process.
+
+ROM images predating before the "SuperMario" ROM (Quadra 660AV/840AV)
+are not supported, excluding most 68k Mac ROMs.
+
+The resource fork of a NewWorld ROM image is ignored, despite
+containting a System Enabler that is paired with the data fork contents.
+Simply copying the resource fork back will cause a crash, because the
+'cfrg' resource contains offests to some PowerPC binaries at the end of
+the data fork.
+
+The `tbxi dump` format is likely to change. If you keep a collection of
+dumped ROM images to peruse, re-dump them regularly.
+
+No specific guidance is provided on ROM patches that are known to work,
+e.g. to boot Mac OS 9 on the PowerPC Mac mini.
+
+
+## Contributing
+
+Yes please! Bug reports, suggestions and requests are welcome. Open a
+GitHub pull request or image, or get in contact via the email on the
+PyPI page.
+
+All are welcome on our retro Mac-hacking mailing list:
+
+https://lists.ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/cdg5