Hello!

I'm not very new to Linux, but there are many things to learn for me...
This is the first time I want to compile a new kernel. I'm running Fedora Core 2 with it's standard kernel. I want now to upgrade to 2.6.8.1.

So, here are my questions:

1. Is this the latest stable version of the Linux kernel? As I know 2.6.9 is not stable yet.

2. What do I have to know before compiling it? About my hardware? I want to be able to add/change new hardware to my PC without recompiling the kernel.

3. After, a succesfull compile, can I run 2 versions of the kernel to test it? Something like changing in GRUB to start with 2.6.5 or 2.6.8

My PC: Athlon XP 1600+, 128 RAM, VooDoo 3 3000 video, Creative SB, LAN card and a Winmodem [ I know..I know]


Thank you for any help!
Boby

2) Basically you'll need to know everything you need your new kernel to do for you.
you have to tell it what hardware to compile in (which can be tricky if you have exotic stuff sitting in your pc), but also all built-in modules (like firewall for instance).

Just have a good browse through the list in "make menuconfig" of "make xconfig" (or whatever you'll be using). If you mess up, see question 3

3)Yes you can, you even have to. Read the howto for this. you need to add your new kernel image to the list in your bootloader. So if you mess up your new kernel, you can just go back to the old one

Ok, I successfully compiled a new kernel. The old one is still there,how can I delete the old kernel 'cause I don't need it anymore.

Thanks!
Boby

...and another question:

I installes a lot of programs by rpm and/or compiled them by myself when I was using the old kernel.
do I have to change something or will they work all fine with the new one?

boby

1. I recommend keeping the old kernel there just for backup. But if you want to kill it, look in /boot (never used FC so this is coming from redhat experience) and remove the kernel you are not using. Also you need to edit it out from lilo (or grub if you are using that).

2. As for the modules, they will work fine with the new kernel.

-twantrd

OK, thanX twantrd [

Boby

i still use 2.4.22