[Gllug] kernel

[Bruce Richardson]

On Thu, Jan 15, 2004 at 10:07:00AM +0000, Doug wrote:
> You get many advantages from using a vendor kernel, especially if you
> aren't experienced at building kernels - it can take some considerable
> knowledge to know which switches you need to twiddle to work with
> certain hardware.

One advantage of using a stock kernel is that you have fewer problems
changing the hardware in the host machine.  If you compile a kernel to
match your specific hardware you'll often have to recompile before
altering your hardware configuration (which could be a problem if a
vital component dies and has to be replaced before you have the chance
to recompile).  Another significant advantage is that if a kernel
exploit is discovered (as with the recent MREMAP scare), a simple
upgrade is all you need.  So it's often worth sticking with stock
kernels for production machines.

That said, I regularly roll my own kernels (usually with make-kpkg).
A machine may simply need some non-standard patch or advanced networking
options.  Since there are a lot of rack machines here that are all SCSI
(and will always be that way), I do a generic kernel with no IDE code at
all.

-- 
Bruce

Those who cast the votes decide nothing.  Those who count the
votes decide everything. -- Joseph Stalin
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