How do I compile a kernel (Linux Newb)

[SolidStClair]

Hi, I am fairly new to Linux and I love Ubuntu. I want to recompile my kernel to get my system running faster, but I have no idea where to begin. Can someone please write out some directions for me? Thanks.

Dell Latitude Cpx H 500 mhz PIII (non-speedstep)
448 MB PC 100 RAM
30 GB HDD
ATI Mobility 8 MB AGP 2x
ESS Maestro 2E

[az]

Open a terminal.

sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-source-2.6 libncurses5-dev kernel-package

cd /usr/src
tar xvjf linux-source*
cd linux-source
cp /boot/config-2.6.10.5-386 .config
sudo make menuconfig

cofigure the heck out of your kernel

sudo make-kpkg --revision-1 --append-to-version=mykerne1 kernel_image kernel_headers

cd ..
sudo dpkg -i linux-image-2.6.10*.deb


Seriously, this probably will not make your system go any faster.

[jdong]

I want to recompile my kernel to get my system running faster,

That is quite a misconception.... I have a i386 and athlon-k7 optimized kernel on my system, and am using an AMD64. I cannot measure or feel any difference in speed.

[shakin]

That is quite a misconception.... I have a i386 and athlon-k7 optimized kernel on my system, and am using an AMD64. I cannot measure or feel any difference in speed.

I agree. Compile if you want specific functionality that you can't get by default. Don't let the Gentoo folks fool you into thinking you need to compile anything to gain speed

[CRCampbell]

Down with Gentoo! Heretics and insulters of our great Ubuntu Nation!

[az]

Alrighty.


*Ahem*.

I think Ubuntu attracts many people. Possibly many people tried linux years ago when it was recommended to recompile a kernel after you install. This is no longer the case.

The message to these people is:

1- Welcome back.

2- Stock distribution kernels are pretty much all you will ever need to use. You will not have to recompile your kernel. And also, you can compile kernel modules (drivers) without having to recompile the kernel. Look at the linux-headers package.


------------
On another note, Gentoo rocks, too. Just differently....

[jdong]

Down with Gentoo! Heretics and insulters of our great Ubuntu Nation!

Ok... that's a bit too strong....

The problem is that you take quite a large responsibility into your own hand... Every vendor has a team of kernel experts tracking the latest patches flying around lkml for security fixes, stability patches, and bugfixes, which are often not going to be released officially for a relatively long time.

You are best off leaving the job of kernel management to experts. The Ubuntu kernel comes in 386,686, and k7(Athlon) flavors, which should be optimized enough for any purpose.

[fsman]

Alrighty.


*Ahem*.

I think Ubuntu attracts many people. Possibly many people tried linux years ago when it was recommended to recompile a kernel after you install. This is no longer the case.

The message to these people is:

1- Welcome back.

2- Stock distribution kernels are pretty much all you will ever need to use. You will not have to recompile your kernel. And also, you can compile kernel modules (drivers) without having to recompile the kernel. Look at the linux-headers package.


------------
On another note, Gentoo rocks, too. Just differently....

WRT point 2. I'm trying to get the 'Zoran' video driver installed. I'm trying rebuild the entire kernel.
what do I need to do to just build the Zoran module?

[edubarr]

Here's a link to a kernel how-to:
http://www.digitalhermit.com/linux/K...ild-HOWTO.html

I build my own kernel and I don't think that's a bad idea. It's configured to my system and everything works in the best way possible. The only thing you really need is a little curiosity and knowledge of what hardware you have on your system.

[az]

WRT point 2. I'm trying to get the 'Zoran' video driver installed. I'm trying rebuild the entire kernel.
what do I need to do to just build the Zoran module?

sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-2.6.10-5-386 (if that is the kernel you are using)

Untar the driver source
tar xvzf XXXXX.tar.gx
cd XXXXXX


then read the readme. If there is a debian directory there, try
sudo debian/rules binary