Hey folks,

When compiling a kernel someone told me to copy the new System.map file to /boot/System.map.
But what should i do when i have both a 2.2.19 kernel and a 2.4.18 kernel on my system? Just overwrite the System.map with the latest version, or what?

Thanks,
CathodioN.

The System.map file is used by the kernel logger to determine the module names generating messages. Some programs like top also use the information from the System.map file. Since you have one 2.2 kernel and one 2.4 kernel the System.map file can contain quite a bit of difference.

Most distributions make the System.map file link to the appropiate System.map-kernelversion file. I guess you could link it to the most used version. I don't know if there is a neat way to get it to link to the right one depending on which version you booted. If you use the wrong Sytem.map file everything will still run. You'll just get warnings on boot about not being able to resolve symbols. Several programs like top might also complain.

I'll add that I don't have System.map at all and it's working with no complains. This file is useful if you'd like to debug your kernel.