I am running a RH8 server and a I have just ordered a second processor. I am assuming that it will not just be plug and pray, although I have been wrong a time or two before. It is my understanding that I will have to recompile the kernel, or load a module.

Is there a module for adding a second processor? Would there be any advantages to loading a module instead of recompiling or vice versa? Also, should all of my current programs, Postfix, Apache and such just continue working fine, or will I have to reinstall all of those as well. I have always known the kernel support to be a huge advantage of linux, but after starting to read some tutorials, I am really beginning to see why it is such an advantage and am definately greatful that I am finally have a reason to mess around with the kernel. Thanks in advance.

Hopefully you/RH have the kernel sources installed.

If not: Install them
If so: Take a look at the /usr/src/linux/.config file.

The following entry should be present: CONFIG_SMP
# CONFIG_SMP is not set => No multiple processor support active.
CONFIG_SMP=y => Multiple processor support enabled.

To change settings (including the amount of CPU's), use make menuconfig, goto Processor type and features => Symmetric multi-processing support.

In general you do not have to recompile applications after adding a second (third.....) cpu. Linux takes care of cpu assigments/load. There might be one or two exceptions, although I cannot name one right now.

Great, even easier than I thought. Thanks a bunch for the reply.