I have a few questions, or a need for an explanation. I've been using linux now since I was 17 ish and I am 23 now. I've done quite a bit of programming too... I'm very well versed in many problems and the operations of linux, even went to college for a while with linux courses.. but one thing I have yet to do myself is re-compile a Kernel...

What I understand, or think I understand, is that recompiling is using the source headers etc to recompile the standard kernel with the sources for your current kernel module configuration, to create a newer, tighter kernel binary with the support all built in... as in..

The vmlinuz, whatever your kernel's file for whatever distro your using now contains your network drivers, sound card drivers, scsi/raid drivers or whatever you got, in the main re-compiled binary....

As opposed to the original distro's kernel reaching to the kernel modules, probing and/or setting up all the modules automagikally or with user defined parameters, and loading them into memory...

Again, this is what I observe on a daily basis, hehe.. so I could be wrong. Since linux uses protected memory, that means that a kernel module crashing wouldn't cause the kernel itself to bail out... but, as long as you've tested yoru system, and you know it won't fail, then compiling the modules into the binary kernel from source up wouldn't be a problem.. but if it did screw up, your kernel would go bunk.... teets up...

If someone can like, verify that I'm not totally crazy, and that this is indeed what re-compiling accomplishes, hehe, that would rule.

If someone can also give me a quick rundown of what is nessacary before and after a compile, that would be cool. I have installed new outta the box kernels, and stuff... many times. I am very familiar with Debian and RedHat installations, the two opposite ends, the coke and pepsi as it were of linux distros.. I have for instance, upgraded a debian 2.4.x to a 2.4.20 or whatever kernel, but, that's basically exchanging packages, updating a few symlinks.. all done with binary packages, pre-compiled and stuff... redhat was even sillier, and offered no learning experience at all. At least Debian, you can take apart what is happening easier...

Anyways, any insight/help would rule.... thanks guys. This site.. is an amazing resource.



Ryan