201.2 - Compiling a kernel

Weight: 3

Description: Candidates should be able to properly configure a kernel to include or disable specific features of the Linux kernel as necessary. This objective includes compiling and recompiling the Linux kernel as needed, updating and noting changes in a new kernel, creating an initrd image and installing new kernels.

Key Knowledge Areas:

/usr/src/linux/

Kernel Makefiles

Kernel 2.6.x/3.x make targets

Customize the current kernel configuration.

Build a new kernel and appropriate kernel modules.

Install a new kernel and any modules.

Ensure that the boot manager can locate the new kernel and associated files.

Module configuration files

Use DKMS to compile kernel modules.

Awareness of dracut

Terms and Utilities:

mkinitrd

mkinitramfs

make

make targets (all, config, xconfig, menuconfig, gconfig, oldconfig, mrproper, zImage, bzImage, modules, modules_install, rpm-pkg, binrpm-pkg, deb-pkg)

gzip

bzip2

module tools

/usr/src/linux/.config

/lib/modules/kernel-version/

depmod

dkms