How do I patch my kernel?

[raid517]

Hi, if I wanted to parch my kernel what is the command for installing the patch? If for example I wanted to patch say my 2.4.0 to 2.4.21-RC6 (just an example) how would I go about doing that. Sorry for the n00b sort of question, but its just that I never patched anything before. :(

Thanks in advance.

Q

[JamminJoeyB]

Since I have never done it yet, but plan to. I think what you really want to do is compile a new kernel.

You can have several different kernels on your system and use LILO to pick which one is used.

Kinda handy if you start to have major problems with the new kernel.

[quip]

Yeah, after you run the patch program, you're gonna have to compile the kernel. It's not that scary once you get started. If I were you I would just grab the 2.4.20 source from kernel.org and compile it, since you'll essentially be doing the same thing patching.
If you still want to patch, you have to obtain all the patches between yours and the one you want. In your case that would be 21 patches. Then for each you issue the command:
gunzip -c patchfilename | patch -p1

[raid517]

Ok thanks. I guess I was just curious about patching in general. Is This how I would install any patch?

Compiling a kernel is by now nothing new to me, although I still have to refer to a writen list of the individual steps to do it.

I guess I was just looking for a faster method.

Anyway thanks again guys for the fast response.

Q