< Previous | Contents | Next >
9.2. Recompiling the Linux Kernel
The kernels provided by Kali include the largest possible number of features, as well as the max- imum number of drivers, in order to cover the broadest spectrum of existing hardware configu- rations. This is why some users prefer to recompile the kernel in order to include only what they specifically need. There are two reasons for this choice. First, it is a way to optimize memory consumption since all kernel code, even if it is never used, occupies physical memory. Because the statically compiled portions of the kernel are never moved to swap space, an overall decrease in system performance will result from having drivers and features built in that are never used. Second, reducing the number of drivers and kernel features reduces the risk of security problems since only a fraction of the available kernel code is being run.
Important
If you choose to compile your own kernel, you must accept the conse- quences: Kali cannot ensure security updates for your custom kernel. By keeping the kernel provided by Kali, you benefit from updates prepared by the Debian Project.
Important
If you choose to compile your own kernel, you must accept the conse- quences: Kali cannot ensure security updates for your custom kernel. By keeping the kernel provided by Kali, you benefit from updates prepared by the Debian Project.
Recompilation of the kernel is also necessary if you want to use certain features that are only available as patches (and not included in the standard kernel version).
The Debian Kernel The Debian kernel team maintains the Debian Kernel Handbook (also available in the Handbook debian-kernel-handbook package) with comprehensive documentation about most kernel-related tasks and about how official Debian kernel packages are handled. This
is the first place you should look into if you need more information than what is provided in this section.
➨ http://kernel-handbook.alioth.debian.org
The Debian Kernel The Debian kernel team maintains the Debian Kernel Handbook (also available in the Handbook debian-kernel-handbook package) with comprehensive documentation about most kernel-related tasks and about how official Debian kernel packages are handled. This
is the first place you should look into if you need more information than what is provided in this section.
➨ http://kernel-handbook.alioth.debian.org