[Solved] Configuring kernel automatic and manual .

gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

hi,
I am installing Gentoo Linux in a VirtualBox (To understand the installation process). For my Dell laptop 64 bit I am following https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Handbook:AMD64/Installation/Kernel for reference. The profile is set at amd64/23.0//desktop/systemd (stable) *.
Currently, I am in the Kernel installation process. I want to understand the steps as follows.

1- Full automation approach: Distribution kernels

According to the handbook, I understand that only these commands are sufficient if a user wants to void compiling the kernel.

audiodef · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 6:12 pm Post subject:

I don't use the full manual approach any more, but your understanding of using kernel-bin is correct.
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gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

Thanks "audiodef" for your reply. Well, I am more interested in the manual approach. Though it's a time-consuming process but good for learning and flexibility in the system.

audiodef · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 6:48 pm Post subject:

Very true. I have no regrets about manually configuring my kernels when I started using Gentoo. It does teach you a lot.
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pietinger · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2024 10:05 pm Post subject:

gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

Thanks "pietinger" for your detailed reply. Well first I want to discuss about gentoo-kernel-bin.

pietinger · Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 10:45 pm Post subject:

gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

Sorry for the typing mistake " /etc/portage/package/make.conf" from my side. Yes, only a /etc/portage/make.conf.

Ok now coming to manual kernel compiling which I did and unfortunately after rebooting my machine just stuck...The reason I don't know but one thing came to my mind during manual configuration I skipped the topic "Building an initramfs" You can see it here https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Handbook:AMD64/Installation/Kernel#Building_an_initramfs

Maybe it was the reason. How may I fix it...is it possible to fix my Virtual Machine...? I just google it and in help, it says to press "e" and edit at the end of the kernel line ...It is a new thing for me. If it is the solution (As to my approach) please guide me on how may I enter a prompt and fix the issue...or if the solution is something else please let me know.

https://ibb.co/jbN4ktD
https://ibb.co/0JMhwZ4 ......>You can see at the bottom the Virtual Hard Disk icon is not blinking there is a silence here.
https://ibb.co/K5BZdDK

pietinger · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 9:31 am Post subject:

If you configure your kernel yourself you will need an initramfs ONLY IF you want do very special things, like e.g. booting from an encrypted root partition.

(See short explanation in this chapter: https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/User:Pietinger/Tutorials/Initramfs_Overview#What_is_an_initramfs_.3F )

Without any special needs you dont need it ... therefore I dont configure it in: https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/User:Pietinger/Tutorials/Manual_Configuring_Kernel_Version_6.6#Part_2_-_Slim_kernel

Now the next part: GRUB

When using grub as bootmanager you must configure grub - with grub-mkconfig ... and this routine search for every part of a kernel - also initramfs ... and creates an entry with every thing it found ...

So, if you have some parts of your Gentoo dist-kernel "lying" in /boot you might get a wrong entry in the grub boot menu - this is the reason I wrote ...:

gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

Well, once again thanks many times. Being an average Linux user at the moment it is hard for me to digest the stuff. In my own experience in Gentoo Linux installation, I keep all installation steps on one side and the manual kernel configuration on the other side. In manual kernel installation, there are many nuts and bolts in it. It seems easy at first glance but when I dig into it it is like a sea for me. Yes with time one day, I shall be also able to manually install the kernel and fix its issues.

I am using Debian Linux (xfce4 desktop) as a daily drive and the applications I use are, Firefox, LibreOffice, VirtualBox, VLC, Kdenlive, OBS Studio, and Audacity.
Currently, I am planning to switch to Gentoo Linux using the above application.

For an average Linux user(like me) who is interested in switching to Gentoo (XFCE Desktop), what do you suggest to me in the Gentoo installation process which approach may I select? To install a Full automation approach: Distribution kernels or Hybrid approach: Genkernel?
Needs your kind opinion about it.

pietinger · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 7:03 pm Post subject:

gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

Thanks once again for the nice stuff

appreciate you. The link is really very impressive but if it should be for systemd then excellent .The reason is all new laptop,desktop are leaving Legacy BIOS and moving to UEFI. So in my opinion Gentoo should only fallow systemd for new computers. https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/User:Pietinger/Draft/Quick_Installation_OpenRC_for_an_UEFI_System The point you have mention is very appealing that " I recommend always to install our dist-kernel at first to get a running system " means that user like me should install

Hu · Administrator Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 21976

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2024 3:41 pm Post subject:

gardenair,

Understand PC Boot Process
The firmware is almost irrelevant to bringing up the system as far as starting PID 1.
I say almost an UEFI can do a few things that BIOS cannot. Like secure boot. That's a misfeature aimed at denying equipment owners full control of the equipment that they own.
It can be turned off on AMD/Intel hardware but not on ARM based hardware, if its present.

This post NeddySeagoons' Rough Guide to DIY Kernels from nearly 20 years ago still gives the correct method but the details have changed over the years.
Since that time, if /usr is on its own filesystem, you will need to mount it using an initrd.

If you feel the need to wake your own initrd, rather than use one of the autoblackmagic alternatives, there is Initramfs - make your own too.
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those that do backups
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audiodef · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:54 pm Post subject:

gardenair · n00b Joined: 05 Oct 2021 Posts: 60

Thanks all for guiding me. Well there was misconception from my side that OpenRc is for BIOS based PC and Systemd for UEFI.
So in short I can say that a latest laptop (Intel Core I7 12th Gen) having UEFI I can install Gentoo using OpenRC or Systemd. Its up to the user choice.

audiodef · Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2024 11:51 pm Post subject:

Correct - you can use either. I find OpenRC to be easier and more intuitive. systemd is more "standard" in that most Linux distros these days use it. Completely your choice.
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