2.6.0 kernel compile overview

James Miller
2004-01-05T15:13:57Z

A precocious 16 year old "Linux guru" friend (I taught him the basics
about a year ago, now he knows about 3x more than I do) recently set up a
new laptop for me with Gentoo and the 2.6.x kernel. Despite the obvious
genius displayed in this endeavor, he forgot (as adolescents are prone to
do) to implement some fairly basic features in the kernel: namely the
system speaker and wireless networking. This leaves me the task of
getting those things operational myself, which means recompiling the
kernel. I've not done much kernel compiling - once or twice, if memory
serves - and all documentation I have refers to 2.4.x kernels and earlier.
I just did a quick 'net search and couldn't find anything specific on
2.6.x kernel compiling. At the same time, I have understood from the
friend that 2.6.x kernel compiling differs somewhat. So, can anyone
direct me to any sources on 2.6.x kernel compiling? I have an overall
grasp of the earlier kernel compiling process, so I'm mainly interested in
how compiling the newer kernel differs. I generated a .config file for
the current kernel using instructions provided by the friend in question,
and of course have the kernel source on the system. So, pointers to any
overviewish documentation specific to 2.6.x kernel compiling would be
appreciated, as would general remarks on how compiling differs with the
2.6.x kernel from compiling earlier kernels.

Thanks, James