Re: [Sheflug] Kernal modules

[Andrew Basterfield <xxxxx [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 1 Oct 2002 20:03:26 +0100
"Douglas G Mckendrick" <Rhinecourt [at] btopenworld.com> wrote:

> I'm planning on installing some modules manually into the kernal, but
> before I do I would like to backup the kernal and configuration as
> they are now.  Then if I do something wrong I can repair what I have
> done easily.  How would be best to go about this?
> 
> This is the first time I have planned to work directly with the kernal
> so just being cautios, cheers
> Doug
> 

It's best to start off with the kernel config file used by your
distribution as a base for your modifications, or the limits for
screwing things up are boundless. Using a different (newer) kernel
version to the one supplied with your distro is also a good move as the
kernel modules won't overwrite your working set.

With practically all Linux distributions having virtually everything
built as modules as transparently loaded on demand there isn't a lot of
point unless you want the / filesystem on some exotic media/controller.
Bear in mind also some distributions (RedHat & more) use modified kernel
sources. Also having odd files kicking around will mess with your RPM
dependencies.

Be prepared to screw things up.

--Andrew
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