How to compile your own kernel

Custom Kernel

Article from Issue 250/2021
Author(s):

While not a requirement, compiling the Linux kernel lets you add or remove features depending on your specific needs and possibly make your kernel more efficient.

When people refer to Linux today, they generally mean a Linux distribution, which is composed of the Linux kernel, applications, services, filesystems, and other supporting software. Formally, Linux refers to the Linux kernel, which is the core of all Linux distributions. The kernel manages memory, processes, devices, and system calls. The Linux kernel is the software interface between what we call an operating system and computer hardware.

In this article, you will learn to download, decompress, compile, and install a new Linux kernel onto your system. I'm using a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.x system; this procedure should work on all Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatible systems.

Why Compile?

Compiling a Linux kernel is 100 percent optional. Your system will work just fine with a prepackaged Linux kernel. Many enterprises never compile a kernel, and their systems handle workloads without issue.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
Print Issues
Digital Issues
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Print Subs
Digisubs
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Kernel Tips

    Worried about a recent security exploit? Want to take advantage of a new hardware feature? You don’t need to be a Linux expert to patch and compile the Linux kernel. We'll show you how to get started.

    more »
  • Working with the Kernel

    If you work with third-party hardware drivers, or even if you just need to fix a broken system, someday you might need to upgrade the Linux kernel.

    more »
  • Tutorials – Build the Linux Kernel

    Get a super-customized Linux installation by configuring and compiling the kernel with just the features you need.

    more »
  • detLFS

    The detLFS project provides an ideal foundation for compiling Linux from source code, either to experience the fundamentals of how Linux works or to prepare an operating system for a project with very specific requirements.

    more »
  • Optimizing the Kernel

    We explore some optimizations designed to deliver a smoother experience for desktop users.

    more »
comments powered by Disqus

Visit Our Shop

Trial Subscription

Digital Subscription

Subscribe

Direct Download

Read full article as PDF:

Price $2.95

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Desktop Events Hardware Linux Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source