kernel's question?

[washe]

Ok people... I'm just getting more into linux.. there is a new kernel 2.6.0.

1 can this kernel be installed to any distro?

2 distros make their own kernel new version than the one that comes with the install?

[Redwolf]

1. Yes

2. They do, but I don't think any of the Distros have teh 2.6 kernel out yet. Redhat might.

It's best just to compile it yourself. Takes about an hour at most of selecting what you need, and at most another 2 for the computer to compile (make) it. The new install process is more streamined than the last...I just wished it would make a bzImage rather than a vmlinux image in the 'make' step. Remember the steps are different for compilig a kernel:

1. Extract it.

2. Move it into /usr/src

3. delete the symlink linux in /usr/src and remake it...pointing to the new directory (which will be /usr/src/linux-2.6.0 probably). Remember: Symlinks are made by:

ln -s target name_of_link_to_make

4. go into /usr/src/linux

5. Type 'make menuconfig' or 'make xconfig', depending on whether or not you are in X-Windows.

6. After that, type 'make...

ah sarn...I forgot. Gotta read the readme again

[washe]

its possible to recall the actual config you have? when the new kernel is going to be built?

[Redwolf]

Yeah, but the 2.6 kernel has a few more options than the 2.4s and soem things in 2.4 config files don't carry over to 2.6. If you don't feel like configuring it, you could look around for a modular setup.

I'd give you my config file, but it's a bit of a mess, and it's best just to go through yourself and pick what you need and don't need. If you aren't sure on something, make it a module. READ THE HELP FOR EVERYTHING. It's useful.

In fact, I think I will track down my config file and post it.

[Redwolf]

Ok, hope it fits. It's a total mess, but give sort of a good idea on how to structure a kernel config. Just copy-paste the stuff into a file and open it in make xconfig.

Crtap, doesn't even copy over since it's too big. Okay, plan B.

http://members.fortunecity.com/redwolfbmh/red.txt

Oh, and make sure you DON'T compile it as is. Make changes to it. Just to make sure you don't pull a Redwolf

[washe]

thanks red... I will try tonight...

[washe]

well some questions redwolf....

It possible to copy my current kernel config to the new one?

Ok I get my mind stuck after make modules_install......

I understand after it finishes that process, I have my new kernel ready to be used.....

I can make /boot2 dir then copy

cp /usr/src/linux-xxx/System.map /boot2
cp /usr/src/linux-xxx/arch/i386/boot/bzImage /boot2/vmlinuz-xxx (renaming it on the copy process xxx kernel number)
cp /usr/linux/vmlinux /boot2

Then I go to etc/lilo.conf and add another entry where it calls /boot2 image, with the vmlinuz-xxx name....

Ok Im correct in my past assumption this way I will have my previous kernel and my new kernel in different directories?

I'm missing something?

[the jester]

hey washe try looking here

disclaimers - this is on gentoo, and I use grub, but basically, it should work with lilo

don't make a new /boot, just rename the old kernel image and edit /etc/lilo.conf accordingly so that you get a choice of old and new

equally rename the System.Map to System.Map.old and System.Map.new then ln -s the one you want to use to System.Map i.e. it becomes a symlink

I have about 6 gentoo kernels in my /boot and I use grub to boot FreeBSD and win2K

can't remember which distro you use, but so far I know that debian won't like it if you follow these steps, otherwise it should work

give it a go and let us know

cheers

meh coming off the flu and I'm late for work - typos all over the shop

[washe]

Ok guys.... Im getting a little frustated but I wont give up that wireless nic and my ati card will work....

what I need install at least a 2.4.23 kernel..

What I have... Suse 9.0 Kernel 2.4.21
Asus A7N8X
AMD Barton 2500
ATI Radeon 9500
Wireless G card

What I have done so far:

Downloaded kernel 2.6.1.
- Installed kernel sources and all packages needed to build a new kernel..
- copied the contents to /usr/src/kernel-2.6.1
- removed previous linux simlink
- made new simlink to kernel-2.6.1 as linux
- make oldconfig ----> I'll get more details below.
- make clean bzImage modules modules_install
- copied the new bzImage /boot as bzImage-2.6.1
- copied system.xxx /boot system.xxx-2.6.1 (xxx dont remember right now the ext name)
- renamed old system.xxx system.xxxold
- made symlink system.xxx system.xxx-2.6.1
- edit /etc/lilo.conf, added the /boot/bzImage-2.6.1 (and the other stuff, vga = normal)
- lilo
- rebooted
- Got stuck when it was mounting ext2 filesystem.....

what i did wrong, and what do i need to do to fix it?

[nukes]

You need to add all the filesystems into the kernel. also don't do this:
make clean bzImage modules modules_install
just do make, then make modules_install.
The old way should still work, but why not do it by the book?
Its better to go through the config bit by bit and select what you need for your hardware/software. You'll need to do it sooner or later, its easy enough once you know what you're doing.