Poised Solutions Tech Library

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell Author: Greg Kroah-Hartman Publisher: O'Reilly Published: 2006 Pages: 182

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell, all a user wants to know about the Linux Kernel but was too afraid to ask. Linux Kernel in a Nutshell is an excellent companion for anyone wishing to build their own Linux kernel.

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell is a good book for Linux Administration, and also for Unix Administration, Development, and for anyone who wants to be good at System Administration.

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell is available for free download from the author at: http://www.kroah.com/lkn/. The author, Greg Kroah-Hartmn, is a lead developer and maintainer of the Linux Kernel.

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell Chapters

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell Chapters

1. Introduction
   • Using This Book
2. Requirements for Building and Using the Kernel
   • Tools to Build the Kernel
   • Tools to Use the Kernel
3. Retrieving the Kernel Source
   • What Tree to Use
   • Where to Find the Kernel Source
   • What to Do with the Source
4. Configuring and Building
   • Creating a Configuration
   • Modifying the Configuration
   • Building the Kernel
   • Advanced Building Options
5. Installing and Booting from a Kernel
   • Using a Distribution's Installation Scripts
   • Installing by Hand
   • Modifying the Bootloader for the New Kernel
6. Upgrading Kernel
   • Download the New Source
   • Applying the Patch
   • Reconfigure the Kernel
   • Can't this be Automated
7. Customizing a Kernel
   • Using a Distribution Kernel
   • Determining the Correct Module from Scratch
8. Kernel Configuration Recipes
   • Disks
   • Devices
   • CPU
   • Networking
   • Filesystems
   • Security
   • Kernel Debugging
9. Kernel Boot Command Line Parameter Reference
   • Module-Specific Options
   • Console Options
   • Interrupt Options
   • Memory Options
   • Suspend Options
   • CPU Options
   • Scheduler Options
   • Ramdisk Options
   • Root Disk Options
   • Init Options
   • kexec Options
   • RCU Options
   • ACPI Options
   • SCSI Options
   • PCI Options
   • Plug and Play BIOS Options
   • SELinux Options
   • Network Options
   • Network File System Options
   • Hardware-Specific Options
   • Timer-Specific Options
   • Miscellaneous Options
10. Kernel Build Command Line Reference
    • Information Targets
    • Cleaning Targets
    • Configuration Targets
    • Build Targets
    • Packaging Targets
    • Documentation Targets
    • Architecture-Specific Targets
    • Analysis Targets
11. Kernel Configuration Option Reference

Linux Kernel in a Nutshell Appendices

1. Helpful Utilities
   • Managing Your Patches with quilt
   • git
   • ketchup
2. Bibliography
3. Index

Compiling a Linux Kernel may seem a daunting task to some users, but for most administrators of Linux systems it is often something that needs to be done. In a paraphrase of the Gentoo documentation, once you have learnt to compile a Linux kernel it is a bit like riding a bike, you don't forget. Linux Kernel in a Nutshell though, dives into some of the more dusty crevices of the Linux Kernel.

Have the Kernel Boot Command Line Parameters and references in one place makes this book almost worth the cover price in itself. The tips for kernel compilation are very valid, and if you are thinking of creating your own system or distribution they are factors that have to be taken into account.

Overall Linux Kernel in a Nutshell is a great read, and useful book for anyone wishing to know a bit more about Linux based systems, an excellent book for Linux Administration.