How do I update my kernel?

foodhater · 09-29-2005, 02:17 AM

I tried to follow these instructions but they are too difficult.
http://www.mandriva.com/security/kernelupdate

The kernel I am using now is 2.6.11-6mdksmp

This kernel does not work with the Creative WebCam II. (known bug)

I need a newer Kernel to get it to work. Any kernel. Can't I just type as root:
urpmi kernel?

When I do that is says:
"The package(s) are already installed"

Any help? Thanks.

5577 · 09-29-2005, 02:35 AM

Take a look at http://www.gentoo.org/doc/de/handbook/. There is a very good Handbook.
To compile a new Kernel is not so easy

springshades · 09-29-2005, 03:12 AM

Well I believe there is a 2.6.11.12mdk-1-1mdk kernel in updates that is newer for LE 2005. However, since it's still the 2.6.11 kernel, it may not fix your problem. I'm afraid your only option might be go to easy urpmi, change the mandriva linux version to cooker, then follow their direction. Next, try

urpmi kernel

again to see if it works. However, this MIGHT break things as installing a new kernel is a pretty big change in your operating system. Use at your own risk.

sekelsenmat · 09-29-2005, 05:54 AM

I think it would be better to download the kernel source and compile your own kernel.

Here is a good tutorial: http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Compiling_a_kernel

There are kernel sources here: http://www.kernel.org/

And maybe a "urpmi kernel-source" with cooker set as repositóry will work. This one would be a good solution because the kernel already comes customized by mandrake.

foodhater · 09-29-2005, 09:19 AM

Thanks everyone. I'll give these suggestions a try.

springshades · 09-30-2005, 06:13 AM

I can't believe I overlooked this extremely easy solution.

Mandriva 2006 Release Candidate 2 has been released according to some people. That will have a newer kernel. It's also gonna be buggy as heck, but it might tide you over for the few months before the real Mandriva 2006 comes out.

I realize that it's might be sort of drastic to completely upgrade the OS, but it actually takes quite a bit less time to install a new OS than it does to recompile a kernel.