where should I build/store a new kernel?

newbiesforever · 01-28-2009, 08:33 PM

I am still trying to compile a new kernel. The kernel source readme (MEPIS 7) says to keep it out of usr/src, to use my home folder for the new kernel, and to make a folder called [build]/kernel and then build the kernel there by using "0=[folder]" in the "make menuconfig" command.
However, the mepis.org compiling instructions ( http://www.mepis.org/docs/en/index.p...g_a_new_kernel ), don't mention that (as far as I noticed). They say to extract the kernel to usr/src. I'/m not sure which to follow, because I see the logic of keeping the new kernel out of usr/src (the readme says it's to avoid messing up the kernel headers that correspond to the libraries, or something), but the mepis.org instructions are significantly newer than MEPIS 7.

weibullguy · 01-28-2009, 09:29 PM

You can build it in wherever you like. Your home directory is convenient because you have permission in your home. Here's what some guy named Linus Torvalds recommends

Quote:

I would suggest that people who compile new kernels should:

* NOT do so in /usr/src. Leave whatever kernel (probably only the header files) that the distribution came with there, but don't touch it.

* compile the kernel in their own home directory, as their very own selves. No need to be root to compile the kernel. You need to be root to install the kernel, but that's different.

* not have a single symbolic link in sight (except the one that the kernel build itself sets up, namely the "linux/include/asm" symlink that is only used for the internal kernel compile itself).

You can find the full message here, which describes why the /usr/src/linux symlink should not exist (in most cases).

newbiesforever · 01-28-2009, 10:06 PM

I can see that not enough people know Mr. Torvalds's advice. The LQ members who have been helping me compile told me to make a symlink. I did what they said, because most LQ users who answer me know more, but the symlink looked like a kludge to me.