How to modify kernel config?
 

Dear all,

I'm running Slackware64 13.1 and I's like to make some changes in my kernel (2.6.33.4) configuration. Specially I'd like to :

• Change MTRR setting from "continuous" to "discrete"
• disable nVidia Framebuffer Support
• disable nVidia Riva support

So, I'm juts wondering to do that keeping the original configuration.
I mean with two kernel version it's alright.
Also, I wish to know how to proceed. Do I have to go through all the building kernel processing?

1. make mrproper
2. make xconfig
3. make prepare
4. make
5. make modules_install

And then, what about boot directory and Lilo?
I mean, it's same kernel version ....
And I want to make sure that I keepp the original config intact so that I can boot on it any time ...

Thank you,

Éric.

I've just found that one can edit the file Makefile and change the line "EXTRAVERSION =" to create a unique suffix at the end of the default name of the kernel.

Well, is it really what people do when they build a new kernel version?

Now lets suppose EXTRAVERSION is set to -new, I guess my new kernel will have the name bzImage-2.6.33.4-new.
So, will I get a new directory /usr/modules/2.6.33.4-new in addition to /usr/modules/2.6.33.4?

You should try it, and find out for yourself. That's the best way to learn. It sounds like you are on the right track so far.

You don't edit the Makefile - except in unusual circumstances.
Nor do you directly edit the config file, but yes adding the EXTRAVERSION will do what you hope. Show us a link to your reference - Alien Bob (IIRC) had a good one for Slack.

Rather than using EXTRAVERSION, set the LOCALVERSION string within the config file via its entry in xconfg/menuconfig. That's what I (and I think most others) do.
I believe EXTRAVERSION is intended to reflect differences in the source tree where as LOCALVERSION is there to reflect differences in the config. (but I could be wrong)

Alien bob's "Building a Linux Kernel from source" wiki page is a good starting point. I second syg00's suggestion.

btw you can add kernel boot options to change mtrr setting and disable framebuffer without recompile the kernel

in lilo.conf
append="vga=normal enable_mtrr_cleanup"

Sorry, sloppiness on my part - Gazl is correct, LOCALVERSION is what you want.

Hey guys,

Thank you so much for your replies.
GazL, LOCALVERSION was what I was looking for.
Best,

Éric.