8259A Edge or Level Triggered?

Greetings:

I am writing a driver for an x86 based machine. The platform is a "standard" PC with a bios etc...

If I install an interrupt handler, how do I know how the 8259A is programmed by default? Is it edge or level triggered? If I want to change the default, how do I do it?

I've been pouring through the kernel code looking for device initialization code for the PIC, and I cannot find an area where specific command bytes are sent to the PIC with the exception of the EOI, and the setup of the interrupt vector table.

Please let me know if there is a more appropriate list to send this type of question to.

Kindest Regards,

Jerry