What's the difference between the Xen and normal Kernels?
 

Hello,
I've just installed Fedora Core 6 (fresh install) on my Machine. After installing the nvidia drivers, I've found that yum has downloaded another kernel version with which to run with the Nvidia drivers.
The only difference between these two kernel versions are the words "xen" at the end of my previous one. What does this mean? Will I lose functionality if I switch to a normal, non-xen kernel?

Thanks

OLD: 2.6.18-1.2849.fc6xen
NEW /w Nvidia: 2.6.18-1.2849.fc6

XEN is a virtual machine of sorts similar to VMWARE that will allow you to run guest operating systems on your machine. If you are not using any Guest OSes, then using the standard kernel is best. Also if you DO want to run a virtual machine, VMWARE is currently better than XEN. If you manage to get an OS installed under XEN it may be faster than VMware, but Installing XP (for example) is a real pain. VMware is easier to install and backup.

OK, thanks. I have VMware installed and working, and am now booting in my normal kernel.

I also forgot that you mentioned nvidia. Nvidia needs to be reinserted into a new or updated kernel. To do this you will need to download and reinstall Nvidia. Sometimes you can use a -K option, but it is more reliable to just run the install script under the console under runlevel 3. To got to runlevel 3:

1. Open a shell
2. su
3. [enter root password]
4. [run nvidia install]
5. init 5

Then you are all done and 3d graphics will be running.

Sir Can You Pls Explain me What is this Xen and VMWARE used for. And wat do u mean by GUEST OS...............can u precisely explain me or can u get me some link other than WIKIPEDIA's.

Yes, I have the matching RPMS installed and the Nvidia logo comes up at boot... but my 3d games still do not work (they end up taking me back to the fedora login screen)

Try to recompile and insert the NVIDIA driver from NVIDIAs website. FYI: Nvidia drivers are no longer allowed to be distributed from any other source than NVIDIA. If you are getting NVIDIA from an RPM, then it is likely to be an older version of the driver. Using the older driver subjects you to a serious security flaw that allows remote machines root access. The new versions of the driver are patched and also add more functionality. You can find the driver here: http://www.nvidia.com/object/linux_d..._1.0-9629.html Just make sure that you run the install in runlevel 3 (init 3).

OK, downloading. Will let you know how it turns out.

XEN, VMware, and Win4Lin are known as virtual machines. They allow you to install another operating system on top of Linux. A host OS is the operating system that is running your computer, the Guest OS is an operating system running within another operating system (host). Xen is currently available for download without charge while VMware and Win4Lin are proprietary and require a liscense.

Wikipedia is a great place to start researching virtualization because it is important to understand the concept prior to installation. You may know it or not, but virtualization will become more and more widespread as companies and individuals seek better interoperability.

Virtal Machines allow you to install Windows and other Linux as well as Solaris and others onto your current operating system. I have windows 2000 installed on my machine in one directory and have a backup of that directory on my server as a backup. Simple to move one folder rather than reinstall OSes

OK, I've installed the drivers, the Nvidia logo comes up at boot, and the same thing still happens with my games. The splash screen appears, then the Nvidia logo flashes and I am taken back to my login screen.

Sorry, but my knowledge of this type of problem is SuSE based. I will have to refer this to other users of FC5

I have found out some more information. See this post:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...26#post2527326