Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:56:04 +0100 From: Alexander Leidinger <Alexander@Leidinger.net> To: stable@FreeBSD.org Subject: Reducing the need to compile a custom kernel Message-ID: <20120210145604.Horde.ewjpSpjmRSRPNSH0YRHxgAk@webmail.leidinger.net>
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Hi, during some big discussions in the last monts on various lists, one of the problems was that some people would like to use freebsd-update but can't as they are using a custom kernel. With all the kernel modules we provide, the need for a custom kernel should be small, but on the other hand, we do not provide a small kernel-skeleton where you can load just the modules you need. This should be easy to change. As a first step I took the generic kernel and removed all devices which are available as modules, e.g. the USB section consists now only of the USB_DEBUG option (so that the module is build like with the current generic kernel). I also removed some storage drivers which are not available as a module. The rationale is, that I can not remove CAM from the kernel config if I let those drivers inside (if those drivers are important enough, someone will probably fix the problem and add the missing pieces to generate a module). Such a kernel would cover situations where people compile their own kernel because they want to get rid of some unused kernel code (and maybe even need the memory this frees up). The question is, is this enough? Or asked differently, why are you compiling a custom kernel in a production environment (so I rule out debug options zhich are not enabled in GENERIC)? Are there options which you add which you can not add as a module (SW_WATCHDOG comes to my mind)? If yes, which ones and how important are they for you? Bye, Alexander. -- Cheit's Lament: If you help a friend in need, he is sure to remember you-- the next time he's in need. http://www.Leidinger.net Alexander @ Leidinger.net: PGP ID = B0063FE7 http://www.FreeBSD.org netchild @ FreeBSD.org : PGP ID = 72077137
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