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Kernel-2.4.x-Beginners-HOWTO

by Steven Roos

v1.0, May 4, 2001

This is the Kernel-2.4.x-Beginners-HOWTO. This is supposed to be an introduction to compiling the Linux kernel version 2.4 for anyone that is new to Linux. I am using the Linux kernel 2.4.1 specifically because that is what I just happen to have. However, everything in this HOWTO should apply to all 2.4 kernels, but probably nothing older than 2.4.0. This HOWTO assumes at least moderate skills in using a PC and Linux, but it does not assume prior knowledge of kernel compilation.

1. Introduction

1.1 Who Should Read This HOWTO?
1.2 Revision History
1.3 New Versions of this Document
1.4 Copyright and Distribution

2. What Is A Kernel?

2.1 Why Do I Need To Compile?
2.2 What Do I Need To Compile?
2.3 Where Do I Get The Kernel Source?

3. Starting The Configuration

3.1 What Does Configuring Do?
3.2 Configuration Modes

4. Configuring the Kernel

4.1 Execute the Configuration
4.2 Code Maturity Level Options
4.3 Lodable Module Support
4.4 Processor Type and Features
4.5 General Setup
4.6 Memory Technology Devices (MTD)
4.7 Parallel Port Support
4.8 Plug and Play Configuration
4.9 Block Devices
4.10 Multi-Device Support
4.11 Networking Options
4.12 Telephony Support
4.13 ATA/IDE/MFM/RLL Support
4.14 SCSI Support
4.15 IEEE 1394 (Firewire) Support
4.16 I20 Device Support
4.17 Network Device Support
4.18 Amateur Radio Support
4.19 IrDA Support
4.20 ISDN Subsystem
4.21 Old CD-ROM Drivers
4.22 Input Core Support
4.23 Character Devices
4.24 Multimedia Devices
4.25 File Systems
4.26 Console Drivers
4.27 Sound
4.28 USB Support
4.29 Kernel Hacking

5. Compile Kernel

5.1 Make Dep
5.2 Make Modules
5.3 Make Modules_Install
5.4 Make bzImage

6. Prepare Kernel for Boot

6.1 Move the Kernel
6.2 Edit LILO
6.3 Run LILO

7. Test Your New Kernel

7.1 Reboot
7.2 Choose Kernel
7.3 Check For Errors

8. Conclusion

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