how do i change kernels?

fatblueduck · 04-02-2005, 05:03 AM

I've googled like hell for a guide or some info on how to change one's kernel.

I'm using the 2.6.11 development kernel, but I need 2.6.10

Could someone point me to a link or tell me where to begin.
I'm comfortable using and recompiling the kernel, but I have never changed kernels before (only fresh installs).

harken · 04-02-2005, 05:24 AM

Sorry, what do you mean by "changing one's kernel"? If you say you can handle the kernel compiling process, simply download 2.6.10 from http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/, compile & install it, then append the necsessary commands to your bootloader's config file and reboot.
Were you meaning something else than this?

fatblueduck · 04-02-2005, 05:30 AM

what directory do I unzip the kernel into?

edit** can I change the kernel while I am in linux using the soon-to-be-gone kernel?

edit** changing kernels. big stuff. I feel so hardcore right now.

__J · 04-02-2005, 05:41 AM

you can extract it anywhere you like, it is recommended by the kernel team not to extract it to /usr/src, but you can if you want.

go ahead and build and install the kernel and add it to your bootloader config and reboot. don't remove the old kernel until you have your new one set up the way you want. If you forget to add an option that is required and you remove the old kernel, it just makes it harder on you.

harken · 04-02-2005, 05:44 AM

Regarding the unzipping of the file: some older tutorials stated that it should be done in /usr/src. In some other places, I've seen that you should unzip into a different folder, usually somewhere in /home/some_directory_of_your_choice/. I'd suggest you to go with the latter as the former may cause errors during the compile.

Quote:

can I change the kernel while I am in linux using the soon-to-be-gone kernel?

I don't seem to be able to follow you. Again, do you mean some out-of-the-ordinary kernel replacement? The main steps to be followed are: configure the kernel (using one of the 5 possibilities), compile the kernel and the modules, install the modules, copy the kernel file & System.map, configure the bootloader.
And of course that all of these steps are to be made while using your distribution running your current kernel. And it's a good idea to keep the old kernel at least for a while, just to make sure the new one works.

Edit: Hmm...seems like _J got ahead of me.

fatblueduck · 04-02-2005, 05:55 AM

thanks.
just finished downloading 2.6.10