Re: How to help new comers trying the v2.5x series kernels.

[John Bradford <john@grabjohn.com>]

> From v2.5.49 up, I can only test the compiled kernel, if it compiles at
> all, with modules disabled completely.
> Of course, I have to say that I do not try much before v2.5.49.
> 
> I think new comers, myselft included, can make use of standard templates
> of kernel .config file.

Try a minimal configuration, or the default one, (which is whatever
Linus uses).  Avoid modular IDE for now.

> First of all, "standard templates" are tested that they will be compiled
> without problem.
> They should be able to boot.
> They should have a working "framework" of "modules", for example, lsmod
> works without any problem.  (And any other "required" modutils as well)
> They shuold supports further kernel compile. (With small incremental
> changes to the base "standard template").

Sounds like an excellent job for a new kernel hacker to take on board
- why not make the standard templates yourself, and post them to the
list for each 2.5.x tree.  It *would* be quite useful, and save a lot
of developers' time, for example, it would stop a lot of people
complaining about modular IDE.

> Then I can try to compile my lan card as modules.
> Then try to compile my SCSI card, etc, etc.
> 
> Does similar "standard templates" exist already?  

No.

> Where can I search for known bugs centrally, so that I can help myself
> as much as possible?

* The mailing list archives
* Kernel Bugzilla
* (hopefully in a week or so) my new bug database which I am currently
  writing.

John.