The Linux Kernel Configuration Series - DOTSLASHLINUX

firasuke · n00b Joined: 19 Sep 2016 Posts: 26 Location: Aleppo, Syria

Hey there, due to lack of beginner friendly guides on what options in the Linux kernel actually mean and how including/excluding them may affect userspace, I decided to write a series (and thankfully I finished it and I'm constantly updating it and improving on it) to serve as a (hopefully) solid base for those who want to compile their kernels (especially the regular desktop/laptop user).

Keep in mind that this guide was written by an enthusiast for kernel newbies (and possibly professionals who want to easily recall what certain options did or want to correct some of the information I included).

The guides can be found on:
DOTSLASHLINUX

Part 1 (Intro):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 1

Part 2 ([*] Gentoo Linux support ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 2

Part 3 (General setup ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 3

Part 4 ([*] Enable loadable module support ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 4

Part 5 ([*] Enable the block layer ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 5

Part 6 (Processor type and features ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 6

Part 7 (Power management and ACPI options ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 7

Part 8 (Bus options (PCI etc.) ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 8

Part 9 (Executable file formats / Emulations ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 9

Part 10 ([*] Networking support ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 10

Part 11 (Includes a really helpful mini guide at the top to help you find out what options you need in your kernel)(Device Drivers ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 11

Part 12 (Firmware Drivers ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 12

Part 13 (File systems ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 13

Part 14 (Kernel hacking ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 14

Part 15 (Security options ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 15

Part 16 (-*- Cryptographic API ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 16

Part 17 ([*] Virtualization ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 17

Part 18 (Library routines ---> ):
The Linux Kernel Configuration Guide Part 18

I'm not claiming that this the one and only guide on the internet for configuring your kernel, in fact I highly recommend that you read other guides as well once you're done with this one.

I tried my best to explain the options in a way that any user could understand.

For those who want to contribute feel free to leave a reply or send me an email on: firasuke@gmail.com

Thanks for your time! Have a great day!
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DOTSLASHLINUX is a GNU/Linux enthusiasts' hub, featuring configuration guides for the linux kernel and several software.

krinn · Watchman Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 7470

firasuke · n00b Joined: 19 Sep 2016 Posts: 26 Location: Aleppo, Syria

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 11:15 am Post subject:

firasuke,

The Intel/AMD kernel supports 3 different modes. 64 bit (with or without 32 bit support), 32 bit and 64 bit with 32 bit pointers.
The first two map to real hardware, amd64 and i?86 installs. The latter is for memory constrained 64 bit systems.
I don't think the user space support was ever finished.

I can't get past the first page of your site. It appears to run some evil trackers which I block.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

firasuke · n00b Joined: 19 Sep 2016 Posts: 26 Location: Aleppo, Syria

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 11:30 am Post subject:

firasuke,

Correct. Anyone running 64 bit with 32 bit pointers is probably doing development.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

firasuke · n00b Joined: 19 Sep 2016 Posts: 26 Location: Aleppo, Syria

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 11:59 am Post subject:

firasuke,

That's better. Your site works now.

Its worth adding in some general information about the menuconfig search function.
The press / enter symbol name fragment to search, press the digit next to the symbol to go to it.

That needs a warning about how symbols are hidden if the things they depend are off too, so the search won't work.

However, if you press 'z' you are able to see and search all the hidden symbols. Its a toggle, so you can turn it off again.
Now you can apply the normal search recursively, to enable everything your hidden symbol needs.

You will be aware that -*- in menuconfig means forced on.
With hidden symbols showing you will see - -, which means forced off.

Are you aware of kernel-seeds ?
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

firasuke · n00b Joined: 19 Sep 2016 Posts: 26 Location: Aleppo, Syria

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 12:19 pm Post subject:

firasuke,

You don't cover the use of the 'z' key to search for hidden symbols.

kernel-seeds has been unmaintaned for several years now and has fallen behind.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

firasuke · n00b Joined: 19 Sep 2016 Posts: 26 Location: Aleppo, Syria

The Main Man · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 10:20 pm Post subject:

Is site down ?

Ant P. · Watchman Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 6920

The Main Man · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 9:10 am Post subject: