On Sat, 2007-04-21 at 12:10 -0700, BartlebyScrivener wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have been using Debian Etch since December. Solid, as advertised.
> I'm looking for a link that would discuss the repercussions and
> benefits of a custom kernel.
>
> For instance, does a custom kernel mean that you lose all of the
> benefits of "stable" that Debian is known for? Or if you stick with
> the Debian kernels is it just as solid, but customized for your
> machine?
>
> I am using Asus A7V8X motherboard socket A, AMD Athlon XP 2700+, 1 gig
> ram. No wifi or fancy dvd burners, just usb and cdroms.
>
> My current kernel version is 2.6.18-4-486.
>
> Worth the trouble to customize?
Well, to tell you the truth, the answer is:
"not really, but could be"
One the one hand, it'll give you a closer understanding of Linux Kernel
development and various other things Also if you want you can compile
only the things you have into the kernel and it should boot everytime
regardless if the initrd.img is valid or not.
On the second hand, it will cause you to have to recompile every-time a
security announcement is made. Or if you get a new motherboard and just
transfer everything over it won't boot. Or if you decide to add a new
flooble-hardinger drive... you'll have to compile again.
On the third hand, security by not allowing any modules is arguably
better, but some camps have proven this wrong as well. So, this is a
toss up.
On the fourth hand, just use a Debian Kernel and get security updates,
full support from the Debian Kernel Team (which has a very nice set of
developers) whom work with many other Kernel developers across the world
to fix your problems.
On the fifth hand, I used to be a compile it my damn self kind of guy.
Even with a great Debian kernel support. I had something like 18
versions of kernel source and a script I ran to d/l Debian patches and
apply them, then do the configs I had saved and do the "make-kpkg"
steps.
On the sixth hand, you could always do it the Gentoo way. But that is a
discussion for another time and another forum.
So, there it is pretty much most arguments in six easy to use hands.
--
greg, greg@gregfolkert.net
Novell's Directory Services is a competitive product to Microsoft's
Active Directory in much the same way that the Saturn V is a competitive
product to those dinky little model rockets that kids light off down at
the playfield. -- Thane Walkup
Attachment:
signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part