new linux user - modules question...

azmanam · n00b Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 3

converting old desktop to linux os (gentoo x86)

i'm working through the Gentoo Linux x86 Handbook for the install. I made it up to chapter 7 learning the language as I go (that's by far the hardest part. I'm pretty versed in computers, but this language learning curve is killer).

7.e says:

Sadako · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:34 am Post subject:

Modules are parts of the kernel which be can compiled separately and then loaded (and unloaded) at any time rather than compiled directly in the kernel.

It's mostly used for drivers for things you may need, but won't need all the time, and also for third party kernel drivers like the binary ati and nvidia ones.

Another advantage to modules is that if you left out support for something in your running kernel and if it can be compiled as a module (not everything can be), then you should be able to compile it and then modprobe (load) it into the running kernel.

General rule of thumb, everything you need to boot has be built in, and anything else which you'll be using all the time should be built in, for most other things modules might be more appropiate.

You don't actually _need_ modules at all, so if you're concerned about it you should probably just build a monolithic kernel (ie everything you need is built in), at least until you become more comfortable with it.

Of course, none of this actually helps you with configuring your kernel, which is what really matters...
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azmanam · n00b Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 3

thanks for your quick reply.

I think I have a basic understanding now, thanks.

I do have an nvidia video card and a creative soundblaster sound card i will need to get running at some point. it sounds like your saying those will fall under this module category? Should I do anything about that now?

or do you recommend i continue with the install leaving the modules alone for now and adjust the modules later as need be?

NathanZachary · Moderator Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 2608

Personally, I recommend just getting your Gentoo installation up and running before trying to worry about anything else. That means that you should not worry about 3D acceleration for your nVidia card, or your sound. First thing to do is to get the Gentoo base system installed. Before you install X and any subsequent desktop environment or window manager, THEN worry about your graphics acceleration. For that reason, just compile your kernel with support that you HAVE to have included in order to boot the system (your SATA/PATA chipset drivers, et cetera). If you need help with determining any particular part of kernel configuration, please just post the output of lspci and we will gladly help you.

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azmanam · n00b Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 3

cwr · Veteran Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 1969

What he said ... I've found it helpful to just get Gentoo booting to a command line
with the default kernel and whatever it wants to load, and then run genkernel and
rebuild the kernel a few times until everything I need is in the kernel, with nothing
surplus.

The only modules I load are those dealing with sound, and the motherboard modem,
both of which have to be unloaded and reloaded to work after the machine has come
out of hibernation.

Will

NathanZachary · Moderator Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 2608

In that case, you want to make sure you include built in to your kernel:

1. Intel controllers (for line one of lspci)
2. Support for ICH5 (including SATA/PATA)
3. You ethernet controller

Those options should be readily findable in your kernel configuration. Once you compile the kernel and get through the rest of the handbook, you will know pretty quickly if you missed something vital in your kernel configuration. If you reboot and you don't get anywhere (like GRUB complains of not being able to find a bootable device), then you missed something. I'm not currently in a position where I can tell you precisely how to configure your kernel, but if you get stumped, I will try to figure out the names of the exact options you need enabled.
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