I'm using menuconfig to configure my kernel compilation, but I've found it quite unclear, with all its nested submenus etc.

Worse, I don't understand what half the settings mean, though I'm sure I don't ned most them.

Got any good links which explain kernel configuration a bit better? I don't ant to know the gorey detail of what's inside the kernel, I just want to be able to configure a compile that's effcient for my own computer.

Advice welcomed

Ya, it's as close as your own box...........

in the /usr/src/linux directory is a folder called Documentation...................look thru it
may help in what you want/need in your kernel.............

Or simply select the help button that accompanies each selection. There are even recommendations.

On each option you can hit ? key and it will explain a little about it. While it sounds rediculous, I and many others have actually read every single option throughout our kernel compiling careers. I sugest you do the same. Start with reading major options that sound like you might need them. Build a kernel, rinse and repeat, reading more and more. Some good programs to see what you have in your computer are lspci and dmesg. You can pick and pull exact features through them.

thanks for replies.

I feared I might have to eventually go through each one, but looking back, I suppose it's the only way, with everybody's box being diffeent and all, and the kernel options having to cater for all of them.

it's just that, link-wise, I saw a load of hardcore kernel sites (even kernelnewbies.org ios hardly for newbies) and the a series of very simplictics sites.

Like, there was nothing for the budding intermediate chappie, like my lazy self here. Thanks.

I agree completely! i have been searching all morning and found the same!

There is just so much to read if you "help" every item.

Isn't there someone (hint...hint...) who can explain how they configure their kernel?

Just a basic set of instructions: ie First I check that my processor family is correct, for this i select my processor in ......., then I check that my HDD will be loaded, for this I type lspci and note ...., then I check in ...... to make sure ..... is ticked.

How bout it guys? Remember for us, there is just TOO much to start from scratch. Just a guide! Just tell us what to look for first, what is VERY important, and what we can play with.

PS: Currently my kernel is panicking because I (think) did not load the correct/all the drivers for my HDD.

I figured out to type lspci -v (on tty2) then search the kernel menu with "/" (on tty1) for the modules listed on lspci -v. Then I checked that all the last lines (ie SND_AC97_CODEC) =y. Am I doing this right?