Is a kernel DSDT like a Loadable Kernel Module?

fopetesl · 2007-02-04 16:27:33

Hi all. In the middle of trying to resurrect a (shhh)Mandriva distro,,, well the data and programs from it.
During archLinux install there is a prompt "Do you need support for booting the lernel with a custom DSDT file?
Poked around the web and found some scraps of info that suggest a DSDT may be like a Loadable Kernel Module?
Anyone clarify this?

And is there a problem if I say "YES"?

Reason I ask? I replaced a failed mobo and the new one has an Attansic L1 Ethernet adapter which appears not supported in the current kernel.
There is a driver available at http://atl1.sourceforge.net - does this need to have DSDT enabled?

patroclo7 · 2007-02-04 16:57:30

A dsdt is not a kernel module. It is an acronym for Differentiated System Description Table. It is used by acpi to retrieve informations about your system (in particular those aspects involved in power management). In most cases, the default DSDT file is fine, and you do not need a custom DSDT file. However, ACPI is broken for some systems and fixed or experimental DSDT tables are provided as a replacement of the default one. You can also find howtos to make your own DSDT table fixing common mistakes. One of these howtos is in the gentoo wiki. However, you need to fix it only is if it is broken, and if you have no symptoms just answer 'no' at that question, which is related to the inclusion of the custom DSDT in an initrd. However, also if you answer 'YES' nothing will be broken for this.

There is no relation with modules-drivers external to the default kernel.

Last edited by patroclo7 (2007-02-04 18:59:50)

fopetesl · 2007-02-04 17:05:14

Thanks patroclo7. More notes for my LINUX diary:)

Arch Linux

#1 2007-02-04 16:27:33

Is a kernel DSDT like a Loadable Kernel Module?

#2 2007-02-04 16:57:30

Re: Is a kernel DSDT like a Loadable Kernel Module?

#3 2007-02-04 17:05:14

Re: Is a kernel DSDT like a Loadable Kernel Module?

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