kernel upgrade

fatihyasin · 05-03-2005, 05:15 PM

Slackware stable kernel is upgraded to 2.4.30. Currently I use 10.1's default kernel (2.4.29). How can I upgrade it to new one ( of course without compiling )?

Matir · 05-03-2005, 06:23 PM

Realistically, is there a reason you need to upgrade your kernel? I don't think they're too different.

mdarby · 05-03-2005, 07:13 PM

Learn to compile your own kernel. It's amazingly easy and it gives you full control.

linuxhippy · 05-03-2005, 07:34 PM

I agree-upgrading the Linux kernel is a good learning experience! I upgraded my Slack 10 kernel 2.4.26 to 2.4.29 and then 2.4.30. I've also tried some of the 2.6.x kernels but find my pc boot time is longer with them (I have an old pc). You will also see that some power management modules are not enabled in the default kernel.

For a decent guide, try this: http://www.digitalhermit.com/linux/K...ild-HOWTO.html

Matir · 05-03-2005, 07:38 PM

I've been building my own kernels since 2.2.x, so I would certainly support this!

It's a very good way to learn more about your computer, Linux, and computers in general.

And even if you get stuck, we are here.

mdarby · 05-03-2005, 08:09 PM

I destroyed my first linux install during the 2.0 days

I remember it so clearly. I decided to install linux for the first time at 11pm on a Wed. night. I had massive tests the next day at school.
I figured "how different could it be?"

Brilliant.

davidsrsb · 05-03-2005, 08:54 PM

To answer the original question:
download kernel_ide-2.4.30.tgz, kernel_headers-2.4.30.tgz and kernel_modules-2.4.30.tgz
Run upgradepkg on each of these and then RUN "LILO"
You will also need the kernel_source if you use the nvidia driver as you will need to recompile this

jschiwal · 05-03-2005, 08:57 PM

Not having compiled a kernel before, and doing so on a new kernel, be sure that your first step after installing the source is to copy the .config of the running kernel to your new kernel source directory and run 'make oldconfig'. That will use your present settings and prompt you on differences in the new kernel that need to be attended to. You will want to keep your old kernel and initrd files and have a boot option for them.

Matir · 05-03-2005, 09:00 PM

Also make sure you place an entry to your old kernel in your bootloader, just in case something is 'borked'.

linuxhippy · 05-04-2005, 10:13 AM

One problem I ran into was that my sound no longer worked in my new kernel. This was easily fixed by compiling ALSA. ALSA needs to be re-built for each kernel if you use it-you only need to build it for the 1 soundcard that you have.

mdarby · 05-04-2005, 10:40 AM

I have used multiple kernels with no ALSA recompiling...