Re: General kernel upgrade questions
* rds:
>
> Have a system running kernel 2.4.27 and would like to upgrade it to 2.6. I am
> somewhat confused though whether I need to compile and build 2.6 kernel or I
> could use the kernel-image package, e.g. kernel-image-2.6.8-10-2-386.
>
> My understanding is that compiling kernel is necessary to include modules
> specific to the support hardware on which the kernel will be installed.
This is basically correct. Additionally, there are also kernel modules
not directly related to hardware (some VPN stuff, for example) which you
may have to compile separately from the kernel.
> In this case, what is the point of providing kernel-image? How does
> one know what modules the kernel-image includes and whether it will
> work on the specific hardware one has?
Interesting question. ;-) The main idea of precompiled kernels is to
include almost every module in the kernel to automatically support a
wide variety of hardware with just one image. Joe User doesn't even need
to think about it in most cases. Another nice feature of these kernel
packages is that - from a user's point if view - they can be treated
just like every other software package. You can simply do 'apt-get
install kernel-image-x.y.z and apt should make sure that your bootloader
will be configured to boot the new kernel. Of course you will get
updates for this kernel versions as well.
So, if you are not sure whether need to compile your own kernel, just
try a precompiled version from Debian. If you find out that it doesn't
support some pieces of your hardware, use lspci and google to find
modules that might help you.
BTW: if you want to compile a module for your Debian kernel, just
install the package kernel-headers-x.y.z (according to your installed
version of the -image) and you should be able to compile the module
without actually compiling the whole kernel yourself.
> When one installs Debian on a new box from Debian CD, does the
> installation process compile the kernel or just use a pre-compiled
> kernel image?
The latter.
J.
--
Whenever I hear the word 'art' I reach for my visa card.
[Agree] [Disagree]
<http://www.slowlydownward.com/NODATA/data_enter2.html>
Reply to: