2.6 Kernel ques

NightSky · 12-14-2005, 06:49 PM

1ST Kernel 2.6 is a huge size, if I dont hav the latest scsi hdd, cdroms, cdrw, graphics crd, sound pci, what is the advantage of a 2.6kernel?
2nd Can kernel 2.6 be trimmed down of excess drivers and options not pertaining to your individual machine?
3rd what are the alternatives to 2.6 considering the hardware configuration of older PCs? Thnx

gbonvehi · 12-14-2005, 07:48 PM

1) It can be as big as you want
2) Of course
3) 2.4 kernel is still "active". 2.6 should work fine too.

mjjzf · 12-15-2005, 02:16 AM

I have only used the 2.6 kernel for laptops; the 2.4 kernel has been better for me for desktop PCs and servers. It is easier to slim down to a small size and a fast boot.

cb951303 · 12-15-2005, 11:02 AM

1) It's completely up to you, i you compile everything statically of course you will have huge kernel. in 2.4 too...
2)Yes
3)No need for alternatives. 2.6 has everything that 2.4 offers...

NightSky · 12-15-2005, 04:34 PM

Ok,1ST: specifically does 2.6 still support older ide/ata controller like HPT366 for my soyo mobo6ba+IV?
2ndly: Do I have to reinstall and to choose 2.6 from install disc? I used bare.i during initiall install but I havent been able to configure anything anyway so reinstall wont make me loose anything but more time.
3rdly: Do I have to chnge hdg to sdg for ata33 thru ata100? Thnx

KimVette · 12-15-2005, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightSky

Ok,1ST: specifically does 2.6 still support older ide/ata controller like HPT366 for my soyo mobo6ba+IV?

Yes. It is rare that support for older hardware is dropped from the kernel. They even kept support for old Mitsumi and Panasonic CD-ROM drives and floppy controller tape drives (QIC-80) - stuff that almost no one uses any more.

Quote:

2ndly: Do I have to reinstall and to choose 2.6 from install disc? I used bare.i during initiall install but I havent been able to configure anything anyway so reinstall wont make me loose anything but more time.

No, just download the kernel sources, unpack it to /usr/src/linux and compile away, then install the modules and kernel.

Quote:

3rdly: Do I have to chnge hdg to sdg for ata33 thru ata100? Thnx

No, ATA100 is an ATAPI device - now known as PATA. /hd(x) naming applies in that case.

NightSky · 12-15-2005, 06:29 PM

Thankyou for your support. Searching databases
posts,stickys and reading outdated books is all very time consuming. Again thank you for your help.

raska · 12-15-2005, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSourceDiplomat

...It is easier to slim down to a small size and a fast boot.

I'm really curious about this, which kernel are you talking about here? 2.4.x or 2.6.x

mjjzf · 12-16-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raska

I'm really curious about this, which kernel are you talking about here? 2.4.x or 2.6.x

That would be the good old 2.4 kernel. There are simply less features.

KimVette · 12-16-2005, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSourceDiplomat

That would be the good old 2.4 kernel. There are simply less features.

2.6 can be made just as slim. It's just that by default everything is enabled. Just disable the options/kernels you don't need then compile.

mjjzf · 12-18-2005, 05:03 AM

But why bother if the needed features are included in the simpler 2.4 kernel? The less you have to comprehend, the easier it is to work with.