Table of Contents
Abstract
The kernel manages the hardware of every Linux system and makes it available to the various processes. Although the information provided in this chapter will not make you a kernel hacker, learn how to perform a kernel update and how to compile and install a custom kernel. If you follow the instructions in this chapter, the previous kernel remains functional and can be booted if necessary.
The kernel that is installed in the /boot
directory is configured for
a wide range of hardware. Normally, there is
no need to compile a custom kernel,
unless you want to test experimental features and drivers.
Often the behavior of the installed kernel can be modified
by means of kernel parameters. For example, the parameter
desktop
sets shorter time slices for the
scheduler, resulting in a subjective acceleration of the
system. Information is available in the kernel documentation
in the directory /usr/src/linux/Documentation
,
assuming the package kernel-source
is installed.
Several Makefiles
are provided with the
kernel to automate the process. Select the hardware settings
and other kernel features. Because you need to know your computer
system pretty well to make the
right selections, modifying an existing and working
configuration file is recommended for your first attempt.
To install an official SUSE update kernel, use the online update functionality of YaST. After a kernel update, you must reboot your system, because the old still running kernel cannot find proper modules to provide the needed functionality. Find more information about YaST online update at Section 2.2.3, “YaST Online Update”. When running the update, a pop-up appears that explains all needed actions. Follow these commands to maintain a consistent system.