On 1 Dec 2001, David Herman wrote:
OK I'm ready to take my next SuSE step. I want to upgrade my kernel.
I currently run SuSE 7.2 pro and have kept things pretty much updated (new rpms from SuSE, online updates, etc). I've been reluctant to upgrade my kernel and xFree86 as Linux is my main OS now.
I've read things about mk_initrd, cloneconfig etc and am currently looking through all of the documentation I can find.
That's great. Reading about it before actually doing it greatly decreases the risk of fuck-ups.
I have an athlon Athlon 700mhz cpu ATI all -in-Wonder128pro SB live value usr ISA hardware modem
I want to keep all of this working obviously.
So my questions are: 1) How do I backup my old kernel in case things go wrong?
When you setup your /etc/lilo.conf, you just add a couple of lines to be able to boot your new kernel. Leave everything else intact you will be able to boot as many kernels as you want (well, IIRC 26 or some number like that). I personally always keep 2 previous kernel versions, just in case. For example, although I boot 2.4.16 now (which I great, BTW), I still have 2.4.15 and 2.4.14 (which sucked for me, BTW).
2) Is it recommended to go with the Mantel rpm or should I bite the bullet and learn how to re-compile the kernel?
Well, going with the Mantel RPMs is the quickie way: no fuss, no mess. If you're happy, stick with it. If you're a performance junkie (like me), I always compile my own, making sure I don't enable something that increases my kernel boot time or memory. I have a 233MHz PI, so I have to worry, but you (w/ a 800MHz Athlon), don't.
3) If re-compile which sources should I get?
I download the official sources and patch appropriately.
4) I've noticed that Yast 2 has a kernel config interface. Does it open with the current settings (as installed originally) or some default config.
Sorry, I have no idea. -- Karol Pietrzak PGP KeyID: 3A1446A0