I used rpm to get the latest kernel from mandrake and the kernel source. I needed to update the kernel cos the madrake cd didn't have the kernel source on it, and I needed a matching kernel and kernel source pair in order to compile the nvidia drivers.

When I restart now there's an extra option in LILO saying 24-22-11 whatever, the number of the new kernel I got and if I choose this option it boots with the new kernel. What has happened? Why didn't the normal linux option just adopt the new kernel, and what will load if I boot into the normal linux option now?

"Why didn't the normal linux option just adopt the new kernel"
The person who set up the Mandrake kernel rpm decided not to do it that way. I think that the idea of dual booting until the new kernel has proven to be reliable is a good one so I agree with the way that the new kernel rpm is set up.

"what will load if I boot into the normal linux option now?"
Probably it will boot your old kernel. Try it.

If you want to change the way that lilo works then log in as root, edit /etc/lilo.conf and then run the lilo command. I suggest that you first create a boot floppy in case your new lilo.conf has problems. Here is a lilo HOWTO:

http://tldp.org/HOWTO/LILO.html

__________________________________
Be prepared. Create a LifeBoat CD.
http://users.rcn.com/srstites/LifeBo...home.page.html

Steve Stites

Ah, that works. Its simple to remove or rename options in lilo. Thanks.

Incidentally does anyone know what linux nonfb and linuxfailsafe are? I suppose they are something similar to safe mode in windows so I left them there.