Re: Kernel version to use in the sarge based debian-edu

[Finn-Arne Johansen <faj@bzz.no>]

Finn-Arne Johansen wrote:
> Petter Reinholdtsen wrote:
> 
>>For the sarge based version of debian-edu, we need to choose if we
>>want to use a 2.4 or the 2.6 kernel as the default.  Both have pros
>>and cons.  Should we try to document the problems and advantages of
>>both, and make a choice?  Who know more about the issues at stake?
> 
> Showstoppers for using 2.6-kernel
> 1) So far the 2.6-kernel needs lvm2, and the current autopartkit does
> not work with lvm2.

This one is now fixed

> 2) were we need 2.6 kernel (sata-controllers mostly), the cdrom is often
> not accessible during installation.

Not sure about this one, anyone with a SATA controller that could test.
I think I also read something about some bios settings that could
prevent this.

> 3) Some scsi raid controllers are not availible on the 2.6.8-kernel used
> by the installer, they are not even availible on the Debian sid
> 2.6.11-kernel.

Well, Megaraid2 drivers are not availible for 2.6.8. People who install
servers using megaraid2 (scsi megaraid), would have to use linux24 at
the boot prompt when they are installing their server.

> 4) not sure, but I think a very common (crappy?) ethernet driver is
> missing on the 2.6-8 kernel, At least it's missing from 2.6.11 from sid.
> the driver is tg3 (yeah, I know it's crap, but I have it on my laptop)

tg3 is mostly working out of the box with 2.6.8, I haven't seen it lock
in ages, and I've done quite a bit testing using the 2.6-kernel lately.

> Showstopper for 2.4-kernel
> 5) some controllers does not work

6) if you install 2.4-kernel, then upgrade to 2.6, you wont get working
/dev/pts, which breaks a lot of things, including Konsole/Xterm  and
ssh. see http://bugs.skolelinux.no/show_bug.cgi?id=961

to summarize:
blockers for using 2.6-kernel:
 1 and 4 is gone

status unsure:
 2: I dont have  any SATA machines were I can test this

in favour of using 2.4-kernel:
 3: Missing megaraid2 drivers on 2.6-kernel
in favour if using 2.6-kernel:
 5: missing sata drivers in 2.4
 6: ptys are missing if upgraded later  (#961)

-- 
Finn-Arne Johansen
faj@bzz.no http://bzz.no/
Debian-edu Maintainer