Understanding kernel panics

[vikingshelmut]

Diagnosing kernel panics has been a slight mystery to me. I know all the troubleshooting steps (I am Apple authorized), but I'd really like to be able to read and understand all of the text that appears on screen when a kernel panic happens. For example, I've diagnosed several towers with kernel panic problems that had a bad CPU. In I think the first like of the panic message, it referenced CPU (0 or 1 if it is a dual system). After replacing the CPU, the panics dissappeared. I have also seen panics caused by the .kext installed by Symantec, where the panic directly mentioned this .kext.

I guess my question boils down to this: Is there some sort of documentation online I can reference that breaks down the panic text so I can fully understand what the problem is?

Thanks.

 

[ladavacm]

Use The Source Luke

Reading Darwin source code will help immensely; understanding it (and being able to reproduce it with your eyes closed, asleep, at 3PM) will help even more

Yes, it is 3PM; 3AM is normal working hours for a kernel hacker