Kernel-source, alsa-driver and kernel compile

jasone · 05-25-2005, 08:04 AM

Hi, I'm compiling my first kernel and need to know if I need to install new alsa drivers and kernel-source for the new kernel or is that included? Of not where do I find them? Can't find them at kernel.org...

Thx!

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 08:11 AM

You can either download the ALSA sources separately from the ALSA project site and compile them or compile the ALSA modules into the kernel.

I'd recommend the first course, because you'll be assured of the latest versions.

jasone · 05-25-2005, 08:13 AM

Thanks but how about kernel-source?

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 08:16 AM

As for kernel-sources (I'm assuming you're using Slack) you can find it on the install disk or you can download sources from www.kernel.org if you wish the latest.

No problem. You can compile the kernel separately and then compile the ALSA drivers separately.

The make install step for the ALSA drive sources will automatically install the ALSA modules into the kernel directories.

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 08:18 AM

This topic should help you get a start on how to compile a kernel in Slackware. (2.6 series)

jasone · 05-25-2005, 08:29 AM

Thanks for the tip!

Where at kernel.org can I find them? I meant kernel-source not the code source for the kernel of course, if I made myself unclear...I'm currently using this one URL=ftp://ftp.slackware.no/pub/linux/slackware/slackware-current/testing/packages/linux-2.6.11.9/]slackware.no[/URL]
but want to make my own...

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 08:34 AM

It's all the same sources. Maybe the Slackware packages will have customized kernel config files. It's not a big deal if you know your hardware and what options are right for you.

You unpack the source code in the /usr/src/ directory. Then create a symlink to :

/usr/src/linux -> /usr/src/linux-2.x.y (example: x and y are major and minor version nos).

Then go to /usr/src/linux.

In a terminal type:

Code:

make menuconfig

or

Code:

make xconfig

Then set the configuration options. Save your changes. Then come out and compile the kernel using the usual steps.

jasone · 05-25-2005, 08:56 AM

Ok I've heard that you need besides the kernel, the kernel-source for compiling stuff in any distribution but I was way out I guess...

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 09:01 AM

Yes. If you're compiling your own kernel, you would need the kernel source code.

I think you're referring to the kernel headers (not full source code)? You won't need kernel headers if you have the full source code and you have a symlink /usr/src/linux point to the actual kernel source code directory /usr/src/linux-2.x.y.

Maybe somebody else can explain this better?

oneandoneis2 · 05-25-2005, 09:11 AM

To get a working 2.6 kernel with ALSA support, all you need is the kernel source - ALSA is built into the 2.6 kernel. You only need to get hold of Alsa seperately if you're using 2.4

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

To get a working 2.6 kernel with ALSA support, all you need is the kernel source - ALSA is built into the 2.6 kernel. You only need to get hold of Alsa seperately if you're using 2.4

Yes. But usually I don't recommend this for newbies because I know how tough it was for me to manually do the necessary kernel config to support my sound chip. And mind you, I knew which sound driver I needed too.

ALSA project drivers worked fine after a simple

Code:

./configure
make
make install

for me.

Usually I base my advice on experience, but of course, you're right. 2.6 kernels have built-in ALSA.

oneandoneis2 · 05-25-2005, 09:28 AM

Really? I just checked off the relevant boxes, compiled, and it worked right off the bat.

With Gentoo, that is. Alsa never worked very well under Slackware - had to start it manually every time I logged in. . .

vharishankar · 05-25-2005, 09:34 AM

No problems in Gentoo (works fine here

). At that time I was using (trying out) Slackware and I had a lot of problems with ALSA until I downloaded and compiled the source from the ALSA project site.

Since the OP mentions Slackware in the user profile, I thought I'd base my reply on that experience.

jasone · 05-26-2005, 12:15 AM

Well I checked the boxes too and it didn't work I too know which snd card I have so I'll install them separately. The same goes for atm and acpi. I know I checked the boxes (double checked it out) but still no apm module or battery bar in my gkrellm. Apm command says "FATAL: No apm module found"

Weird....