Linux From Scratch using an older kernel

[satuser083]

Hope this is the correct forum 

I've been considering the idea of trying to build my own version of PCLOS-linux (a kind of Linux From Scratch), but would need an older kernel than the latest (which appears to be v2.6.38.4) since this one does not contain the necessary Via Unichrome drivers for my Siemens Amilo-Pro. Before I waste a load of time attempting a pointless project, just a modest question: is it feasible to do this and, if so, would such a system be upgradeable in the medium future and where would I get the necessary modules.

This would be a first for me, so if it really is a daft idea, just say so; I can take it  .

Thanks

[menotu]

Does the 2.6.31.12 kernel support the Via Unichrome drivers? as that seems to be the earliest one in the repos

[Old-Polack]

Hope this is the correct forum  

I've been considering the idea of trying to build my own version of PCLOS-linux (a kind of Linux From Scratch), but would need an older kernel than the latest (which appears to be v2.6.38.4) since this one does not contain the necessary Via Unichrome drivers for my Siemens Amilo-Pro. Before I waste a load of time attempting a pointless project, just a modest question: is it feasible to do this and, if so, would such a system be upgradeable in the medium future and where would I get the necessary modules.

This would be a first for me, so if it really is a daft idea, just say so; I can take it   .

Thanks

Yes it is.  

[satuser083]

Hope this is the correct forum  

This would be a first for me, so if it really is a daft idea, just say so; I can take it   .

Thanks

Yes it is.  

OK, short and to the point  . Another question, then: would it be possible to include the missing drivers in the latest kernel? I've read quite a lot about developing linux (not necessarily a PCLOS flavour) for older machines, but don't quite understand the logic of that, if the older drivers (which these older machines may need) have been excluded from the build. Am probably missing something here  .
Thanks

[Neal ManBear]

The Linux kernel devs do the kernel stuff, not us.     

[Old-Polack]

Hope this is the correct forum  

This would be a first for me, so if it really is a daft idea, just say so; I can take it   .

Thanks

Yes it is.  

OK, short and to the point  . Another question, then: would it be possible to include the missing drivers in the latest kernel? I've read quite a lot about developing linux (not necessarily a PCLOS flavour) for older machines, but don't quite understand the logic of that, if the older drivers (which these older machines may need) have been excluded from the build. Am probably missing something here  .
Thanks

It is entirely possible to build a Linux operating system that is fully compatible with your hardware, but you'd have to use older versions of all the software; ones that were contemporaneous to the time when the hardware was new, or just a couple of years old. Things like the X server would have to be versions no longer in common use, but compatible with the via driver in question, and the kernel used would have to be new enough to contain the drivers you need, but old enough to run compatibly with the older X server. All of the core packages would also have to be compatible with each other, and the kernel, in order for software to compile properly.

Your best bet for something like you suggest would be to find the newest older version of a static distro (your choice which one) that still contains a kernel with the appropriate discontinued drivers you need, install it, then try compiling newer versions of the various applications to gain any available security updates and newer features. When you get to a point where you are satisfied with the stability and performance, and have the applications you need upgraded as far as you can go, stop fiddling with the OS and just enjoy what you have. Being as there would still be some known security issues remaining, I would definitely run behind a firewall, were I you.

Just as a FYI, I still have an old SUSE 8.2, and a Mandrake 10.1, on a hard drive in an older computer, and I still use them because they were both nice stable systems on that hardware, but neither will run on any modern hardware. Newer hardware gets newer software, and kernels with newer drivers appropriate to that hardware. Driver modules no longer compatible with the newer software get dropped from the mix. That's just the way it works, and why you can't use a rolling release that is continuously upgrading, on that particular piece of hardware.

[satuser083]

Your best bet for something like you suggest would be to find the newest older version of a static distro (your choice which one) that still contains a kernel with the appropriate discontinued drivers you need, install it, then try compiling newer versions of the various applications to gain any available security updates and newer features. When you get to a point where you are satisfied with the stability and performance, and have the applications you need upgraded as far as you can go, stop fiddling with the OS and just enjoy what you have. Being as there would still be some known security issues remaining, I would definitely run behind a firewall, were I you.

Thanks, OP, that sounds like just what I need; I'd also like to stay with a PCLOS-flavour, if possible.

Just one point, though; when you say  'try compiling newer versions of the various applications', I assume that means doing this manually (i.e. not via synaptic)?  Are the app-sources likely to be on the same repos as the distros?

Would need some help in finding the mirrors that hold these distros, though; any chance of your pointing me in the right direction for the latter  ?

Thanks.

[Archie]

Actually you can. And your idea of using PCLinuxOS as a basesystem woould be the best choice. You have to go over to LinuxFromScratch and download the manual. You'll need to follow it to the letter.

This had been my project for several years now. Every year that I attempt to do it, somewhere things go awry and I have to shelve the project because I've lost my motivation. I keep hoping that the month I get my motivation back, I can be successful. I am not short on Linux knowledge and I am quite versatile on the command line.

I hope you will have better results. Good luck, I will keep my fingers crossed, and keep us posted.

Peace and much respect,
Archie

[Hootiegibbon]

The big issue here is not the Kernel, its more than likely Mesa which dropped support for many unfinished/unsupported gfx cards - unichrome was I believe part of that cull.

you may wish to try "openchrome" or the "via" xorg xserver instead, other than that your choices are the FBdev (which can be also used as a xorg "option" with (some) other xservers) with or  Vesa options.

As for a base - give RAW a try ( /me self promoting )

Jase