How to compile your own kernel
Custom Kernel
While not a requirement, compiling the Linux kernel lets you add or remove features depending on your specific needs and possibly make your kernel more efficient.
When people refer to Linux today, they generally mean a Linux distribution, which is composed of the Linux kernel, applications, services, filesystems, and other supporting software. Formally, Linux refers to the Linux kernel, which is the core of all Linux distributions. The kernel manages memory, processes, devices, and system calls. The Linux kernel is the software interface between what we call an operating system and computer hardware.
In this article, you will learn to download, decompress, compile, and install a new Linux kernel onto your system. I'm using a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.x system; this procedure should work on all Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatible systems.
Why Compile?
Compiling a Linux kernel is 100 percent optional. Your system will work just fine with a prepackaged Linux kernel. Many enterprises never compile a kernel, and their systems handle workloads without issue.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
Comprehensive measures adopted by the European Commission aim to reduce dependency on non-EU countries.
-
Linux Foundation Report Indicates AI Driving Tech Hiring
Within growing security and skills gaps, AI has been found to be a positive driving force behind tech hiring trends in Europe.
-
United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
A new open source portal seeks to coordinate and scale open source efforts across the United Nations system.
-
KDE Linux Drops AUR
KDE Linux developers have dropped the Arch User Repository from the build pipeline due to security concerns; other distributions should consider doing the same.
-
California May Exempt Linux from Its Age-Verification Law
After backlash from the Linux community, California may be backing off on its promise to force all operating systems to verify age, but one platform may still have to comply.
-
Another Logic Bug Found in Linux Kernel
Qualys has discovered a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be used to elevate standard user privileges.
-
Ubuntu Core 26 Offers Game-Changing Enterprise Features
Ubuntu Core 26 could be a game-changer for organizations looking for increased security and reliability.
-
AI Flooding the Linux Kernel Security Mailing List
AI is giving Linus Torvalds a headache, but not in the way you might think.
-
Top Priorities for Open Source Pros Seeking a New Job
Professional fulfillment tops the list, according to LPI report.
-
Container-Based Fedora Hummingbird Designed for Agent-First Builders
Fedora Hummingbird brings the same approach to the host OS as it does to containers to level up security.