Arch Linux

sniffles

Member

Registered: 2008-01-23

Posts: 275

Custom kernel configuration

I'm new to Arch Linux but I'm the kind of guy who likes to configure the Linux kernel to his exact needs. I already have a .config (created on an x-gentoo system) for Linux 2.6.23. Where do I start? do I just cd /usr/src/linux* && make menuconfig, and then run `make && make modules_install` or are there special things to look out for (i.e. Arch Linux is summat dependant on the shipped kernel and its configuration?)

Alas: I don't use initrds, I see the default Arch Linux system does.

schivmeister

Developer/TU

From: Singapore

Registered: 2007-05-17

Posts: 971

Website

Re: Custom kernel configuration

yes, that's the way. however, if you want pacman to handle it then you must use the ABS and PKGBUILD for one of the Arch kernels and work your way up from there. You should start reading the Wiki, beginners guide, getting started those kinda things. I sympathize with you if reading's not your forte but the world isn't poprocks and coke

You can, yes, do without an initrd too, no problem. It is after all, your choice, so you should know.

Let's start somwhere: http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Ker … n_with_ABS

Last edited by schivmeister (2008-01-24 19:04:44)

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I need real, proper pen and paper for this.

broch

Banned

From: L.A. California

Registered: 2006-11-13

Posts: 975

Re: Custom kernel configuration

you don't have to use initrd
you can use whatever kernel source you need
for starters use default config, later modify it as you need.

I don't use ABS, I don't see any point (it is useful for whoever likes it, I simply compile kernels same, traditional/default way irrelevant of the distro)

sniffles

Member

Registered: 2008-01-23

Posts: 275

Re: Custom kernel configuration

I absolutely love reading docs, the wiki just seems so big I don't know where to start. I've been through distributions such as Gentoo, Slackware, Debian, (and the easier Fedora, Ubuntu, Mandrake/Mandriva, RedHat <= 9) etc. I would not have survived without reading documentation.

However I was just trying to make sure I'm not going to dig through the docs only to find out I'm /stuck/ with the default kernel.

Thanks.

blu3ness

Member

From: Edmonton, Canada

Registered: 2007-12-28

Posts: 169

Re: Custom kernel configuration

If you have a .config file, you can just use the stock kernel from abs. refer to this post
http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=34815
if you want to compile it parallel to the traditional kernel. All you need to do is add make menuconfig on one of the PKGBUILD lines and load your .config from there. :x

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Archlinux on Compaq Presario v5000 laptop

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: Custom kernel configuration

Arch gives you control over everything, kernel included. You're not "stuck" with anything, don't worry.

do I just cd /usr/src/linux* && make menuconfig

Just so you're clear, /usr/src/linux-2.6.23-ARCH does not contain kernel source, only headers. You will need to get the source yourself.

Crooksey

Member

From: UK ~

Registered: 2006-08-14

Posts: 415

Website

Re: Custom kernel configuration

Get the source from kernel.org and do it the old way?

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Arch Linux since 2006
Python Web Developer + Sys Admin (Gentoo/BSD)

twizller

Member

From: Hamilton, ON

Registered: 2007-10-24

Posts: 9

Re: Custom kernel configuration

Is there a site that explains what all of the config functions do in the kernel config file?
Im currently using kernel-zen and i like it, but i would like to configure my own kernel to my liking, but im getting confused on what all the config options do in the config file, so im wondering if there is a site that explains what all the config options do so i can understand it and know what i should include and not include.

Thanks for the help

schivmeister

Developer/TU

From: Singapore

Registered: 2007-05-17

Posts: 971

Website

Re: Custom kernel configuration

make menuconfig

then;
 
  press ? for help on the selected menu item

else;
 
  make xconfig

or RTFM. Configuring a kernel still needs some level of hardware knowledge, if not systems knowledge.

http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Spe … e_a_kernel

achtung: don't try to be a ricer (like adding things you _think_ you need and removing things you - yet again - _think_ you don't need). but of course, if you want to learn it's fine.

Last edited by schivmeister (2008-01-25 18:10:22)

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I need real, proper pen and paper for this.

vuboy

Member

From: Canada

Registered: 2008-03-04

Posts: 78

Re: Custom kernel configuration

Thanks for the link schivmeister, just what I was looking for.

Love the ricer comment;-)
Many thanks

VB