What is the newest kernel that can be compiled with the new toolchain?

[gseaman]

This is my first kernel build, so go easy on me!

I want to start testing Con Kolivas' new scheduler. I've downloaded the kernel 2.6.31.5 from kernel.org and 2.6.31-sched-bfs-304.patch from ck-kolivas.org. I know that there is a way to use the config from existing kernels, but I just trying to build it just to test and then use Tex's config after. Feel free to point me to any tutorials, tips, etc. I'll post my progress. (I know others have built this kernel, but I couldn't find many details in the posts that I read).

Galen

[travisN000]

It's been awhile, but last time I tried it I used info from these how-to's:

http://hackmy.belproject.org/index.php?topic=121.0

[gseaman]

Thanks travisn000, I remembered references to a tutorial for building PCLinuxOS kernels, but I couldn't find the links.

Galen

[muungwana]

version 2.6.31.3 compiled successfully here

there is a text file called "README" in the source folder ..that file should contain all the info you need

compiling the kernel follows the same three routine used in installing programs from source ..run the configuration script, compile and install .. the kernel will be automatically copied to /boot and proper entries will be made in grab file .it cant be any easier

[gseaman]

I have found some links on how to build a kernel using an existing .config file. If I want a preview of what the default kernel will be like to I have to find patches or just use the existing .config file?

Galen

[muungwana]

you can use an existing .config file if you want to reuse configuration settings set in another build. Options that match the new and old kernels will be reused and you will be asked for new options that were not in the old kernel

[gseaman]

I copied /proc/config to ~/linux/linux-2.6.31.5/linux-2.6.31.5/.config. Is this the right place? When I ran make it asked at least 50 questions. Are there really that many new options, or did it not pick up the .config file?

Galen

[gseaman]

It seemed to build correctly. Am I supposed to move everything to /usr/src before installing, or does make install put everything in the right place? Here's the output of 'make install' and 'make modules install':

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[root@localhost linux-2.6.31.5]# make install
sh /home/galen/linux/linux-2.6.31.5/linux-2.6.31.5/arch/x86/boot/install.sh 2.6.31.5 arch/x86/boot/bzImage \
                System.map "/boot"
no modules installed, so not building initrd (maybe you should run "make modules_install" first)
[root@localhost linux-2.6.31.5]# make modules install
  CHK     include/linux/version.h
  CHK     include/linux/utsrelease.h
  SYMLINK include/asm -> include/asm-x86
  CALL    scripts/checksyscalls.sh
  CHK     include/linux/compile.h
  SKIPPED include/linux/compile.h
  Building modules, stage 2.
  MODPOST 1842 modules
sh /home/galen/linux/linux-2.6.31.5/linux-2.6.31.5/arch/x86/boot/install.sh 2.6.31.5 arch/x86/boot/bzImage \
                System.map "/boot"
no modules installed, so not building initrd (maybe you should run "make modules_install" first)

Galen

[muungwana]

you were better off first moving the source folder to "/usr/src" and do everything there and not deleting the folder after install.

There are variables other program use when building kernel objects and you may be asked questions you dont know when building outside of that folder.

you arent following instructions correctly, you were supposed to run "make" followed by "make modules_install install" .."make install" is not a proper command and that is why you are getting errors

[gseaman]

Thanks for the help. I will move everything into /usr/src (the kernel source, the existing .config file and the bfs patch file). Then after running 'make', I'll run 'make make_modules install'.

Galen

[gseaman]

Ok, I've built and installed the new kernel with the patch applied and it works! It responds snappier to mouse movements and I played a full-screen youtube video that seemed smoother to me. Not a very scientific measurement, I know. I downloaded and built interbench (Con Kolivas' tool to attempt to measure interactivity). The results don't mean anything until I test the other kernels for comparison.

I've only noticed one glitch. My 3g usb wireless dongle doesn't work. (The driver may not have been built). I have a few things to investigate before I can make a guess as to why. If I modprobe hso, the driver does not exist. If I try to build the driver, it errors out. This driver is for an earlier kernel and, in fact, the driver was supposed to be in the 2.6.27 mainline.

The good news is my atheros wifi works perfectly.

I used the .config from /proc/config when the 2.6.27.31.tex5 was running. I am assuming it picked up the selections and only asked questions for new or changed options, but I am not sure. I selected all of the defaults from there. I had to 'make modules_install install' and then 'make install' put the kernel in /usr/src and added a correct reference in /boot/grub/menu.lst.

I'll report my findings from interbench and post back later. When I am completely satisfied, I will try to make a source rpm. I will probably need help with that as well. Thanks.

Galen

[melodie]

I've only noticed one glitch. My 3g usb wireless dongle doesn't work. (The driver may not have been built). I have a few things to investigate before I can make a guess as to why. If I modprobe hso, the driver does not exist. If I try to build the driver, it errors out. This driver is for an earlier kernel and, in fact, the driver was supposed to be in the 2.6.27 mainline.

Hi,

From an install with 2.6.27.31.tex5 kernel:

Code: [Select]

$ zcat /proc/config.gz | grep HSO
CONFIG_USB_HSO=m
If it is in /proc/config.gz, it has to be in the /boot/config kernel.

Code: [Select]

[root@localhost guest]# modprobe hso
[root@localhost guest]# lsmod | grep hso
hso                    33120  0
rfkill                 12184  1 hso
usbcore               135152  7 hso,usbhid,usb_storage,ehci_hcd,ohci_hcd,uhci_hcd
[root@localhost guest]#

See ? It's there.
You may want to check you .config file in make menuconfig ?

[gseaman]

Thank you, I will try again.

galen