Don't understand linux source trees

roxanne · 06-19-2009, 07:32 AM

I'm new to linux and need to install user mode linux. I was told to get a linux kernel source tree but I don't understand what it is and why it is needed if I already have linux... I mean, isn't the source tree the actual files and directories system that I have in Fedora? If not then what is a source tree??
As you can see I'm completely new to this stuff!!
Any help would be appreciated...

kilgoretrout · 06-19-2009, 07:54 AM

You need the kernel source to compile a kernel with user mode linux(uml) enabled. If you are unfamiliar with linux and have never compiled a linux kernel, this project is probably beyond your capabilities. You need to learn how to compile a kernel and the specifics involved with compiling a uml enabled kernel.

pixellany · 06-19-2009, 07:57 AM

Welcome to LQ!!

"source" usually means "source code"---i.e. the original (readable) code used to compile a SW program.

In a typical Linux system, you need all of the source code--including headers--to compile the kernel. To compile application programs, you typically only need the headers.

Please tell us more about the context of your question---eg why you need to install user-mode linux, who told you to get the source tree, etc.

zhjim · 06-19-2009, 07:59 AM

I'm not into Fedora any way but isn't there a package inside the repository with uml? I sure saw one in the debian repository.

A quick google (fedora uml) revealed this

http://fedorasolved.org/installation...-Linux-Install

http://www.crashcourse.ca/wiki/index...inux_on_Fedora

John VV · 06-19-2009, 02:05 PM

If you are NOT familiar with Linux i Would NOT recommend you use Fedora .Fedora is a FAST development distro and more often than not will REQUIRE FIXING during or just after installing .Or after a update KILLS something .

I think you would have better Linux experience if you install Ubuntu.