Chapter 2. Getting Started with the Kernel

In this chapter, we introduce some of the Basics of the Linux kernel: where to get its source, how to compile it, and how to install the new kernel. We then go over some kernel assumptions, differences between the kernel and user-space programs, and common methods used in the kernel.

The kernel has some intriguing differences over other beasts, but certainly nothing that cannot be tamed. Let's tackle it.

Obtaining the Kernel Source

The current Linux source code is always available in both a complete tarball and an incremental patch from the official home of the Linux kernel, http://www.kernel.org.

Unless you have a specific reason to work with an older version of the Linux source, you always want the latest ...

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