Ask Klaus
GRUB Selections
How do I change the default GRUB (and maybe LILO, too) boot selection on a multiple-OS system?
The GRUB config in /boot/grub/menu.lst (GRUB1) or /etc/default/grub (GRUB2) should contain a DEFAULT line that specifies which of the given operating systemd should be booted by default. For GRUB 2, you need to install the new configuration by doing:
sudo update-grub
after modifications in /etc/default/grub or /etc/grub.d/*.
Installing a Driver
How do you install drivers for hardware after installation (e.g., a card you've added later or that wasn't configured during installation)?
In Linux, the hardware driver is a kernel module that must match exactly the kernel version installed (i.e., if you update the kernel, you have to update the kernel modules as well, and if you install a new hardware module, it must be compiled from source to match the running kernels version). Loading or unloading modules works with
modprobe name_of_module
and
rmmod name_of_module
which should be done automatically by the udev daemon if it detects new hardware and there is a module present for the hardware's vendor and product ID (and, if the module is not blacklisted in /etc/modprobe.d/*.conf).
Klaus Knopper
Klaus Knopper is an engineer, creator of Knoppix, and co-founder of LinuxTag expo. He works as a regular professor at the University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern, Germany. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com
« Previous 1 2 3 4
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
Linux Mint Edge Is Ready for the Newest Hardware
With the release of Linux Mint 20.03 comes a new version geared for newer hardware.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Now Available
That latest release of Linux Mint is now available for general use and offers a polished, but less Mint-y theme.
-
Linux is Getting an Exciting New Firmware Feature
Intel is bringing a new driver to the 5.17 kernel that will make it possible to update firmware without a reboot.
-
Elementary OS 6.1 Has Been Released
The .1 version of the sixth iteration of elementary OS (named Odin) is now available for download and takes the distribution to new heights of refinement.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Beta is Now Available
The developers of Linux Mint have made the beta of their latest release available for download and installation.
-
EndeavorOS 21.4 Has Arrived
Arch-based EndeavorOS 21.4 is finally available for download with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
NixOS 21.11 Now Available for Download
NixOS “Porcupine” has been made available for installation and includes numerous improvements.
-
KDE Plasma Developers Introduce a GNOME-Like Overview
A new overview effect makes it easier for users to interact with both Plasma Activities and Virtual Desktops.
-
Rocky Linux 8.5 Now Available with Secure Boot Support
The latest iteration of CentOS alternative, Rocky Linux has arrived and includes numerous updates as well as support for Secure Boot.
-
System76 Developing a New Desktop Environment
The makers of Pop!_OS are currently in the early stages of creating a brand new, non-GNOME, desktop environment.