The configuration is just a ´.config´ text file inside source directory.
Each line mention an option like CONFIG_ARCH_USE_MEMTEST=y
.
Every driver can be marked to be compiled into the kernel monolith (DRIVER=y
), or as module(DRIVER=m
), or as not be compiled(DRIVER=n
).
- You can copy from your distro's config. Its location varies, but is usually something like /boot/config-3.0.7 (need to rename) or /usr/src/linux/.config.
- Another option is to generate a brand new using
make alldefconfig
(create a .config with default modules) ormake tinyconfig
(a very tiny kernel).
- You can run
make localmodconfig
to update current config disabling modules not loaded, to disable modules not in use. - You can use an assistant, just type (from the easiest to hardest):
make xconfig
,make gconfig
,make menuconfig
,make nconfig
ormake config
.
- Make a directory to save your different kernel config flavors, then backup config files that you enjoyed. It may be useful to re-use them sometimes.
- Maintain more than one kernel on boot. In case your main kernel crash, just boot with another one.
- Its good to have a bootable media to save your life also.
- Doing
make alldefconfig; make localmodconfig
is a good combination in case you don't have a old config to begin.