“Okay, now that you actually have been convinced to try the 2.5
Linux kernel, how can you test this kernel out. And, what should
you do if you have any problems?“First off, before you configure the 2.5 kernel–say, while you
are downloading it–go read Dave Jones’s excellent “What to Expect
from 2.5” document. In that document, pay specific attention to the
sections covering the Input Layer, the Framebuffer layer and module
information. These sections of the kernel configuration process are
the most confusing for newcomers to the 2.5 series. If you don’t
pay attention, it is very easy to end up with a kernel that either
displays nothing on the screen or doesn’t accept any input from the
keyboard.“After configuring the kernel with the specific hardware you
have on your system, build the kernel, install it and reboot. Don’t
select all the drivers, here; a number of them do not compile
because no one seems to have hardware for them anymore. If you’ve
never done this build and install process before, I suggest you
read the Linux Kernel HOWTO, which details all of the necessary
steps involved. I also do not recommend that 2.5 be the first
kernel you ever build on your own. Try the 2.4 kernel first to rule
out any operator errors you might come across…”
Related Story:
Linux
Journal: Time for Users to Start Testing 2.5(Mar 22, 2003)