Hi everyone,

I've been doing a ton of Googling the past few days and only found partial resources.

Does anybody know where I can can find a complete list of all the menuconfig options and their descriptions/purpose? So far I've just been Googling them individually, sometimes I'm successful, sometimes not. Gentoo is pretty good about providing some explanations, but I'm curious if there is something more agnostic and comprehensive. It's more for my edification, I've been building a LFS distro and am a noob and would like to understand more about the various kernel parameters and what they actually do.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Spencer

I use 'make menuconfig' every time I make a kernel. The options are yes, no, module, and help. Info for the help is in the kernel. If you don't get that, Google it. You don't need to understand any options on a part not fitted to your pc. A little googling will find you LKML arguments (Er, debates) and explanations. Its a script, not a mystery. Kindly explain what else you need to know. Your problem may be a lack of understanding of antique, obsolete, or industrial and exotic hardware. I worked in Electronics and I don't have that knowledge either. Just concentrate on what is in your box.

Mention specific problems and don't worry if you spend 2 hours in configuration.

I use this - but it is no more than the description you can get individually using the "?" in the menu itself, and of course it doesn't drop down the dependancies like the config system. I tend to use it when I see a new option in casual browsing somewhere.

Thanks for the suggestions! they satisfy my curiosity.

I realize (now) I (was) looking to understand everything all at once, things that probably have nothing to do with anything I'll ever need. My vague desire for understanding the configuration options led to vague google searching which is why I didn't find what I thought I was looking for.

That being said, I am a total dumbass for not just trying <help> on each option. (cant really express how idiotic I feel right now) Thank you for pointing the obvious out. I'm always being dumb like that. You'd think I would learn my lesson. That provides all the explanation I was really looking for each option. Not being an electronics guy, or even a linux guru, I don't know which options are "exotic or obsolete" and being how I like to play around and break things to gain a better general understanding I thought having a laymens description of each option would help me figure that out. "use the <help> option dumbass!" Building my lfs system for an older macbook created its own unique challenges so I've probably configured and rebuilt the kernel a couple dozen times now.

syg00 thats a great link. thanks!

thanks again.

spence

Look, everyone compiling a kernel can feel he is out of his depth. You need to know that hardware manufacturers, Red Hat and others pay guys to sit on the LKML and write drivers for their parts, or particular interests. If you don't have it, you don't need it.

The easy way here is to become familiar with what's on YOUR system - lspci & lsusb help. Then, if it isn't on your box, you don't need it as far as drivers go. You don't need server options unless this is going to be a server; same for routers, raid, etc. It's no harm tp play around, building kernels that won't boot teaches you something: ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP!

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