Kernel, Cron, and User Administration, Part 2 - GUI Kernel Source Management
(Page 5 of 15 )

It can take time to load all of the RPMs required to compile and customize the Linux kernel. It can be difficult to remember to install every RPM. There is an alternative: the Red Hat Package Management utility. I’ll show you how to use this tool to load the kernel source packages in Exercise 5-3.

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Exercise 5-3

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Loading the Kernel Source Graphically

In this exercise, we’ll install the source code and associated files for the Linux kernel using the Red Hat Package Management utility. I’ll assume that you’re using the same network source that you created in Chapter 2. This exercise assumes that network source is on a remote computer with an IP address of 192.168.30.4. Substitute the IP address (or if you have a DNS server for your LAN, the hostname) for your network source computer. You’ll need to start from the Linux GUI.

1. If you’re not already in the Linux GUI, run the startx command.

2. Open a command line interface. Right-click on the desktop, and click New Terminal in the pop-up menu that appears.

3. At the command line interface, make a connection to the network source. I’m assuming that you have an active NFS connection, no firewall, and a local /mnt/inst directory. For the given source, run the following command (substitute your IP address or hostname, and preferred mount directory in this command):
   
   # mount -t nfs 192.168.30.4:/mnt/inst /mnt/inst
   
   
4. Start the Package Management utility. Point to the mounted network source (without the --tree option, the Package Management utility works from the installation CDs):
   
   # redhat-config-packages --tree=/mnt/inst
   
   
5. Select the Kernel Development package group for installation.
   

6. Click Update. The Package Management utility computes the dependencies, adding RPMs to the list of packages to be installed.
   

7. Once you see the Completed System Preparation window, click Continue.
   

8. The Package Management utility starts installing the packages you need to examine the source code and recompile the Linux kernel.
   
   
9. When installation is complete, click OK.
   
   
10. Click Quit to exit from the Package Management utility.

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This is part one from the fifth chapter of Red Hat Certified Engineer Linux Study Guide (Exam RH302), fourth edition, by Michael Jang. (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0-07-225365-7). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now.

Next: The Linux Kernel tar File >>
 

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