Linux Kernel in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly))

Covers a range of kernel tasks, starting with downloading the source and making sure that the kernel is in sync with the versions of the tools you need. In addition to configuration and installation steps, this book offers reference material and discussions of related topics such as control of kernel options at runtime. Written by a leading developer and maintainer of the Linux kernel, __Linux Kernel in a Nutshell__ is a comprehensive overview of kernel configuration and building, a critical task for Linux users and administrators. No distribution can provide a Linux kernel that meets all users' needs. Computers big and small have special requirements that require reconfiguring and rebuilding the kernel. Whether you are trying to get sound, wireless support, and power management working on a laptop or incorporating enterprise features such as logical volume management on a large server, you can benefit from the insights in this book. __Linux Kernel in a Nutshell__ covers the entire range of kernel tasks, starting with downloading the source and making sure that the kernel is in sync with the versions of the tools you need. In addition to configuration and installation steps, the book offers reference material and discussions of related topics such as control of kernel options at runtime. A key benefit of the book is a chapter on determining exactly what drivers are needed for your hardware. Also included are recipes that list what you need to do to accomplish a wide range of popular tasks. An operating system's kernel handles all interactions between the CPU and the external world, and determines which programs will share processor time, in what order. This in-depth reference documents Version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, which has seen significant changes to nearly every kernel subsystem, particularly in the areas of memory management and block devices. "Linux Kernel in a Nutshell" explains the conditions that bring out Linux's best performance, and how the OS meets the challenge of providing good system response during process scheduling, file access, and memory management in a wide variety of environments. The 2.6 kernel has brought Linux into the heart of corporate IT environments. This reference shows system administrators and developers how to tweak and configure the kernel for optimal performance.