In the past, a lot of people ask me how test a new kernel. This tip could help new arch tester.
First, emerge the new sources ( 3.4.5 is just an example, replace it with your ${version} ):
echo "=sys-kernel/gentoo-sources-3.4.5" >> /etc/portage/package.keywords
emerge -av =sys-kernel/gentoo-sources-3.4.5
Now go to kernel directory, try to enable all modules and check if them compile:
cd /usr/src/linux
make allyesconfig
make # don't forget to add '-j'
Might seem strange, but in the past, with allyesconfig, I found bug like this, not reproducible with normal config.
The next step is clean the past build and make your custom kernel.
make distclean
make menuconfig
make
make modules_install # if you use modules
Now try to boot with new kernel, and check if there are not bad message with:
dmesg
Now, try to reach a bit of uptime and if all is ok, please give a feedback.
This is a base guide to test {vanilla,gentoo}-sources. If you are testing a kernel with other/special features ( e.g. hardened/zen/tuxonice ), make sure that these features work perfectly.
Hi,
where should i give a feedback ?
Running 3.4.5 from the times it’s on the tree without troubles.
Loux
PS : Netbook ASUS M51Sn
3.4.5 is just an example. You should give a feedback on our bugzilla when there will be the stablereq for the kernel.
Probably you meant “make allmodconfig” instead of “make allyesconfig” ?
nope.
make help | grep allyesconfig
Interesting post, thanks.
I have translated it to spanish on my blog:
http://www.localnet.org.es/2012/07/probar-un-kernel-en-gentoo-arch-testing.html
If you want I retire it of my blog, you let me know and I will do it.
Great!
No problem, feel free to translate the other posts if you want/have time.
Great, thanks! Can you explain how I can use this together with genkernel? E.g. in your instructions, after the step “make distclean”, can I simply run genkernel after that line instead of the “make menuconfig” etc.?
Also, what does “don’t forget to add -j” mean? Do I write “make -j” ?
Finally, on my machine I can’t get a bug report after a kernel crash or freeze (because the hard disk is encrypted and there are no other available monitoring devices). Can I still contribute something useful? Do you need only the bug reports of the “failures” or oddities, or is it useful to report also that a kernel appears to be working?
Yes, run genkernel as usual.
-j is useful when you have a multicore machine (man make)
This guide is addressed for arch testers..no problem if you can’t contribute 😉