Re: Kernel Options for Dummies...
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 17:22:08 -0700 (PDT)
Gary Singleton <gsinglet1@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hi, I'm compiling a kernel using the docs provided at
> http://newbiedoc.sourceforge.net/system/kernel-pkg.html and it's all
> good but is there a doc somewhere that explains the options in the
> kernel configuration better? Especially helpful would be something
> that says 'don't say no to that one' or whatever. Using make
> menuconfig if it makes a diff.
I concluded there was no way to discuss kernel configuration in a way that
would cover the bases yet be understandable and reasonably short.
"A man's gotta know his limitations".
The way I started was going through default kernels (in other distributions)
and removing the support I knew I didn't need. Perhaps a similar strategy
could be helpful here.
Install a Debian kernel for your processor (for example, PII/PIII). In
/usr/src/linux do:
bash:/usr/src/linux $ fakeroot make-kpkg clean
bash:/usr/src/linux $ cp /boot/config-2.4.18-686 .config
bash:/usr/src/linux $ make xconfig
Then go through and remove the support you KNOW you don't need, and build a
kernel. Install and boot it. If everything works, go back and fiddle with
the config some more. This time concentrate on one area you want to
experiment with. Build another kernel and install it. If something breaks,
reconfigure and change something in the section you fiddled with before.
Rinse, repeat.
I'm not aware of a document that really explains kernel config. "Just do
it".
Kevin
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