I wanted to learn the kernel, then I found it too difficult, then I started reading Linux Device Drivers 3rd edition.
I have finished the first 3 chapters, however, I found it still very difficult to understand the content, especially the example code of scull.
The fourth chapter, it asks me to install a new kernel. I think this will cost me many drivers on my scientific linux. I doubt that if I can still use my computer if I install my own kernel...
I am feeling exhausted...
Help me please...

Hello,

why don't you just install a new kernel on your system? it can reside beside the old kernel and you'll use it only for development purposes. You'll have to configure the bootloader for both kernels, so you can select which kernel to boot when you start the computer.

In my opinion one requirement if you want to write drivers is a deep understanding of Linux. If you're even not able to install a kernel you should not yet write drivers but learn more about the system in general.

Markus

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installing a new kernel shouldn't cost you drivers, especially if installed properly, the point though of installing a second kernel is to have a known working kernel to which you can revert if you blow up the one you are doing your development.

I agree with Markus, you will need an extensive knowledge of the system to write device drivers. I recommend you start with something more simple.

Well, if you want to learn how to write drivers, you'll have to learn how to install kernel. There is absolutely no way around this.

If you're afraid to lose current system, you could use virtual machine, or make extra linux installation in another partition.

By the way, one system can have multiple kernels (only one kernel will run at the time). See boot loader documentation. For lilo, AFAIK kernel is specified using "image" parameter in lilo.conf.

Well... on machine with proprietary nvida drivers after kernel upgrade you may be unable to log into X until you run nvidia driver installer again. That's just one example.

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