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1.
Make config A text based interactive program that helps you config the kernel by answering Y-yes Nno questions.
2.
Make menuconfig Interactive menu configuration program, selections in the kernel are made using toggle switches.
Make xconfig
A menu is displayed in x-Windows, and all possible options or modules are enabled/disabled w with radio buttons and other common GUI interactions. ( very user friendly ) T There is help inside the xconfig program, just use the "help" button. if you need help. B Be careful which options you disable when configuring the kernel. It's recommended you read more on configuring the kernel before you start, the kernel is NOT something you was to play carelessly with!
Most installs of Linux have relatively big kernels by default. These kernels provide you with great flexibility in regards to a wide variety of hardware driver support. They often include all of the most commonly used hardware device drivers and most of the kernel options. Generic kernels like this are created to deal with what ever type hardware you have installed, but they are usually inefficient and large. This means longer boot time, and less memory for your applications to run in. Reconfiguring the kernel is used for cleaning out, and getting rid of extra drivers and options not needed for your system. Once you have cleaned out the unused materials your kernel will be faster, cleaner and more efficient to run.
# End of CUSTOM KERNEL section Note: After compiling your new kernel make sure the "CUSTOM KERNEL" section is added to your LILO configuration file ( usually "/etc/lilo.conf" )
Final Thoughts
Reconfiguring the kernel can have it's advantages. As stated earlier the Kernel is the core over the whole Linux OS. It is the master of the OS who gives permissions to applications and can take those permissions away. You are able to modify the core of Linux, make it faster cleaner and in some case recompiling the kernel fixes some things. For example, if your kernel is configured for some hardware you don't have, the kernel may want to search for a hardware component to make sure it's there or not, that is if the driver for that device is compiled into the kernel. This is some cases may cause some problems or performance issues. The kernel handles memory management, system processes and controls and keeps tabs on system resource making sure things are working correctly.