Should I upgrade to 2.6.0?


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I a seasoned vet when it comes to linux, and I keep track of linux componet updates. I think that 2.6 has cooled down a bit, should I recompile the kernel? I'm using 2.4.25, is it worth it?

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major speed improvement. If your hardware's all working properly, then might not matter to you. The speed is still nice though...

and I'd assume you'd go for 2.6.3 and not 2.6.0

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Hey i didnt want to make a whole new thread, i don't know if b0b minds i just have a quick question, how would i recompile the linux kernel. The reason im asking is because in the instructions for installing my network card it says to recompile the kernely and compile the 8139too.o as a module. I have been looking on google on how to recompile the kernel but since i just installed fedora two days ago i have no idea where to start.

Would appreciate any help if is not too much to ask....

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I am not positive how to compile that module into it, but here is the basic idea:

1) extract source to /usr/src/. It should make a folder called linux-2.6.3 or thereabouts

2) enter the directory, type

make menuconfig

If you have compiled the kernel before you have to type

make clean

make mrproper

3) in the make menuconfig dialogue select all of your options that you need. Be very careful here as mistakes might very likely cause a kernel panic and linux not starting or things won't work right.

4) after through save and exit. then type

make bzImage

this will take a while. when it is through type

make modules

make modules_install

5) after this is through type:

mv /boot/System.map /boot/System.mapbackup

mv /boot/bzImage /boot/bzImage.backup (if you get an error saying this isn't there, check your typing. if you still get an error check if its there. if there isn't one there don't worry about it)

cp /usr/src/linux-2.6.3/System.map /boot/System.map

cp /usr/src/kernel-2.6.3/arch/i386/boot/bzImage /boot/bzImage (this might be different depending on your system. on a normal pc with an x86 processor this is where it will be)

6) edit the lilo.conf in your /etc directory

add the following bellow the first linux entry.

image = /boot/bzImage

root = /dev/hdc2

label = Linux2.6.3

read-only

7) run lilo, then shutdown and restart. you should be in your new kernel

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Hey i didnt want to make a whole new thread, i don't know if b0b minds i just have a quick question, how would i recompile the linux kernel. The reason im asking is because in the instructions for installing my network card it says to recompile the kernely and compile the 8139too.o as a module. I have been looking on google on how to recompile the kernel but since i just installed fedora two days ago i have no idea where to start.

Would appreciate any help if is not too much to ask....

The RealTek 8139 NIC should be standard issue for all precompiled kernels. It's probably the most common generic network card chipset.

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The RealTek 8139 NIC should be standard issue for all precompiled kernels. It's probably the most common generic network card chipset.

is not a realtek tho is a Belkin Cardbus Network card...

Kongit thanks il try that rite now....

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recompiling process depends on used kernel sources & dist.

for rpm-based dists you will have to install the kernel-dev-package, then go to /usr/src/linux

type "make menuconfig"

you will find (on 2.6.x that is) the network drivers under device drivers -> networking -> 10/100 network cards, select them as modules.

kernel recompilation is fragile, so be sure to backup your old kernel and make an extra boot-entry in grub/lilo!

for 2.6.x all you have to do after finishing the configuration is a simple "make". after make finished type "make modules_install" and copy your shiny new kernel over to your /boot-harddisk/directory (depends on your setup, normally you have an boot-partition, be sure to mount it before you copy the kernel. also be sure to backup your old kernel & system.map-files and add a new entry in /boot/grub/grub.conf respectively lilo).

to copy them type:

cp /usr/src/linux/System.map /boot

cp /usr/src/linux/arch/i386/boot/bzImage /boot

reboot & enjoy (if you did things right)

btw, i'm currently running on 2.6.4-rc1-love1 :woot: this sources are great!

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almost on 2.6.4 :blink:

they're really pumping these things out..

2.6.4rc-1 on Kernel.org.

comes out so fast now i just wait a couple of versions before upgrading again ;p

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comes out so fast now i just wait a couple of versions before upgrading again ;p

2.4 still suits me fine. I originally said I was going to wait until 2.6.10 before I upgraded, but I'm getting bored so I might give the latest one a try later.

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is not a realtek tho is a Belkin Cardbus Network card...

Kongit thanks il try that rite now....

The card may SAY Belkin but the system will likely pickup the onboard Realtek 8139 controller chip and go from there.

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2.4 still suits me fine. I originally said I was going to wait until 2.6.10 before I upgraded, but I'm getting bored so I might give the latest one a try later.

I'd seriously recommend the jump the to 2.6 now. It is stable, and you'll find new life in the speed enhancements that come from it.

And if you're bored, then that's even more reason to do it! :)

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