1 .. _readme: !! 1 Linux kernel release 4.x <http://kernel.org/>
2 <<
3 Linux kernel release 6.x <http://kernel.org/> <<
4 ============================================= 2 =============================================
5 3
6 These are the release notes for Linux version !! 4 These are the release notes for Linux version 4. Read them carefully,
7 as they tell you what this is all about, expla 5 as they tell you what this is all about, explain how to install the
8 kernel, and what to do if something goes wrong 6 kernel, and what to do if something goes wrong.
9 7
10 What is Linux? 8 What is Linux?
11 -------------- 9 --------------
12 10
13 Linux is a clone of the operating system Uni 11 Linux is a clone of the operating system Unix, written from scratch by
14 Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosel 12 Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosely-knit team of hackers across
15 the Net. It aims towards POSIX and Single UN 13 the Net. It aims towards POSIX and Single UNIX Specification compliance.
16 14
17 It has all the features you would expect in 15 It has all the features you would expect in a modern fully-fledged Unix,
18 including true multitasking, virtual memory, 16 including true multitasking, virtual memory, shared libraries, demand
19 loading, shared copy-on-write executables, p 17 loading, shared copy-on-write executables, proper memory management,
20 and multistack networking including IPv4 and 18 and multistack networking including IPv4 and IPv6.
21 19
22 It is distributed under the GNU General Publ 20 It is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2 - see the
23 accompanying COPYING file for more details. 21 accompanying COPYING file for more details.
24 22
25 On what hardware does it run? 23 On what hardware does it run?
26 ----------------------------- 24 -----------------------------
27 25
28 Although originally developed first for 32-b 26 Although originally developed first for 32-bit x86-based PCs (386 or higher),
29 today Linux also runs on (at least) the Comp 27 today Linux also runs on (at least) the Compaq Alpha AXP, Sun SPARC and
30 UltraSPARC, Motorola 68000, PowerPC, PowerPC 28 UltraSPARC, Motorola 68000, PowerPC, PowerPC64, ARM, Hitachi SuperH, Cell,
31 IBM S/390, MIPS, HP PA-RISC, Intel IA-64, DE !! 29 IBM S/390, MIPS, HP PA-RISC, Intel IA-64, DEC VAX, AMD x86-64, AXIS CRIS,
32 ARC architectures. !! 30 Xtensa, Tilera TILE, ARC and Renesas M32R architectures.
33 31
34 Linux is easily portable to most general-pur 32 Linux is easily portable to most general-purpose 32- or 64-bit architectures
35 as long as they have a paged memory manageme 33 as long as they have a paged memory management unit (PMMU) and a port of the
36 GNU C compiler (gcc) (part of The GNU Compil 34 GNU C compiler (gcc) (part of The GNU Compiler Collection, GCC). Linux has
37 also been ported to a number of architecture 35 also been ported to a number of architectures without a PMMU, although
38 functionality is then obviously somewhat lim 36 functionality is then obviously somewhat limited.
39 Linux has also been ported to itself. You ca 37 Linux has also been ported to itself. You can now run the kernel as a
40 userspace application - this is called UserM 38 userspace application - this is called UserMode Linux (UML).
41 39
42 Documentation 40 Documentation
43 ------------- 41 -------------
44 42
45 - There is a lot of documentation available b 43 - There is a lot of documentation available both in electronic form on
46 the Internet and in books, both Linux-speci 44 the Internet and in books, both Linux-specific and pertaining to
47 general UNIX questions. I'd recommend look 45 general UNIX questions. I'd recommend looking into the documentation
48 subdirectories on any Linux FTP site for th 46 subdirectories on any Linux FTP site for the LDP (Linux Documentation
49 Project) books. This README is not meant t 47 Project) books. This README is not meant to be documentation on the
50 system: there are much better sources avail 48 system: there are much better sources available.
51 49
52 - There are various README files in the Docum 50 - There are various README files in the Documentation/ subdirectory:
53 these typically contain kernel-specific ins 51 these typically contain kernel-specific installation notes for some
54 drivers for example. Please read the !! 52 drivers for example. See Documentation/00-INDEX for a list of what
>> 53 is contained in each file. Please read the
55 :ref:`Documentation/process/changes.rst <ch 54 :ref:`Documentation/process/changes.rst <changes>` file, as it
56 contains information about the problems, wh 55 contains information about the problems, which may result by upgrading
57 your kernel. 56 your kernel.
58 57
59 Installing the kernel source 58 Installing the kernel source
60 ---------------------------- 59 ----------------------------
61 60
62 - If you install the full sources, put the ke 61 - If you install the full sources, put the kernel tarball in a
63 directory where you have permissions (e.g. 62 directory where you have permissions (e.g. your home directory) and
64 unpack it:: 63 unpack it::
65 64
66 xz -cd linux-6.x.tar.xz | tar xvf - !! 65 xz -cd linux-4.X.tar.xz | tar xvf -
67 66
68 Replace "X" with the version number of the 67 Replace "X" with the version number of the latest kernel.
69 68
70 Do NOT use the /usr/src/linux area! This ar 69 Do NOT use the /usr/src/linux area! This area has a (usually
71 incomplete) set of kernel headers that are 70 incomplete) set of kernel headers that are used by the library header
72 files. They should match the library, and 71 files. They should match the library, and not get messed up by
73 whatever the kernel-du-jour happens to be. 72 whatever the kernel-du-jour happens to be.
74 73
75 - You can also upgrade between 6.x releases b !! 74 - You can also upgrade between 4.x releases by patching. Patches are
76 distributed in the xz format. To install b 75 distributed in the xz format. To install by patching, get all the
77 newer patch files, enter the top level dire 76 newer patch files, enter the top level directory of the kernel source
78 (linux-6.x) and execute:: !! 77 (linux-4.X) and execute::
79 78
80 xz -cd ../patch-6.x.xz | patch -p1 !! 79 xz -cd ../patch-4.x.xz | patch -p1
81 80
82 Replace "x" for all versions bigger than th !! 81 Replace "x" for all versions bigger than the version "X" of your current
83 source tree, **in_order**, and you should b 82 source tree, **in_order**, and you should be ok. You may want to remove
84 the backup files (some-file-name~ or some-f 83 the backup files (some-file-name~ or some-file-name.orig), and make sure
85 that there are no failed patches (some-file 84 that there are no failed patches (some-file-name# or some-file-name.rej).
86 If there are, either you or I have made a m 85 If there are, either you or I have made a mistake.
87 86
88 Unlike patches for the 6.x kernels, patches !! 87 Unlike patches for the 4.x kernels, patches for the 4.x.y kernels
89 (also known as the -stable kernels) are not 88 (also known as the -stable kernels) are not incremental but instead apply
90 directly to the base 6.x kernel. For examp !! 89 directly to the base 4.x kernel. For example, if your base kernel is 4.0
91 and you want to apply the 6.0.3 patch, you !! 90 and you want to apply the 4.0.3 patch, you must not first apply the 4.0.1
92 and 6.0.2 patches. Similarly, if you are ru !! 91 and 4.0.2 patches. Similarly, if you are running kernel version 4.0.2 and
93 want to jump to 6.0.3, you must first rever !! 92 want to jump to 4.0.3, you must first reverse the 4.0.2 patch (that is,
94 patch -R) **before** applying the 6.0.3 pat !! 93 patch -R) **before** applying the 4.0.3 patch. You can read more on this in
95 :ref:`Documentation/process/applying-patche 94 :ref:`Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst <applying_patches>`.
96 95
97 Alternatively, the script patch-kernel can 96 Alternatively, the script patch-kernel can be used to automate this
98 process. It determines the current kernel 97 process. It determines the current kernel version and applies any
99 patches found:: 98 patches found::
100 99
101 linux/scripts/patch-kernel linux 100 linux/scripts/patch-kernel linux
102 101
103 The first argument in the command above is 102 The first argument in the command above is the location of the
104 kernel source. Patches are applied from th 103 kernel source. Patches are applied from the current directory, but
105 an alternative directory can be specified a 104 an alternative directory can be specified as the second argument.
106 105
107 - Make sure you have no stale .o files and de 106 - Make sure you have no stale .o files and dependencies lying around::
108 107
109 cd linux 108 cd linux
110 make mrproper 109 make mrproper
111 110
112 You should now have the sources correctly i 111 You should now have the sources correctly installed.
113 112
114 Software requirements 113 Software requirements
115 --------------------- 114 ---------------------
116 115
117 Compiling and running the 6.x kernels requi !! 116 Compiling and running the 4.x kernels requires up-to-date
118 versions of various software packages. Con 117 versions of various software packages. Consult
119 :ref:`Documentation/process/changes.rst <ch 118 :ref:`Documentation/process/changes.rst <changes>` for the minimum version numbers
120 required and how to get updates for these p 119 required and how to get updates for these packages. Beware that using
121 excessively old versions of these packages 120 excessively old versions of these packages can cause indirect
122 errors that are very difficult to track dow 121 errors that are very difficult to track down, so don't assume that
123 you can just update packages when obvious p 122 you can just update packages when obvious problems arise during
124 build or operation. 123 build or operation.
125 124
126 Build directory for the kernel 125 Build directory for the kernel
127 ------------------------------ 126 ------------------------------
128 127
129 When compiling the kernel, all output files 128 When compiling the kernel, all output files will per default be
130 stored together with the kernel source code 129 stored together with the kernel source code.
131 Using the option ``make O=output/dir`` allo 130 Using the option ``make O=output/dir`` allows you to specify an alternate
132 place for the output files (including .conf 131 place for the output files (including .config).
133 Example:: 132 Example::
134 133
135 kernel source code: /usr/src/linux-6.x !! 134 kernel source code: /usr/src/linux-4.X
136 build directory: /home/name/build/kern 135 build directory: /home/name/build/kernel
137 136
138 To configure and build the kernel, use:: 137 To configure and build the kernel, use::
139 138
140 cd /usr/src/linux-6.x !! 139 cd /usr/src/linux-4.X
141 make O=/home/name/build/kernel menuconfig 140 make O=/home/name/build/kernel menuconfig
142 make O=/home/name/build/kernel 141 make O=/home/name/build/kernel
143 sudo make O=/home/name/build/kernel modul 142 sudo make O=/home/name/build/kernel modules_install install
144 143
145 Please note: If the ``O=output/dir`` option 144 Please note: If the ``O=output/dir`` option is used, then it must be
146 used for all invocations of make. 145 used for all invocations of make.
147 146
148 Configuring the kernel 147 Configuring the kernel
149 ---------------------- 148 ----------------------
150 149
151 Do not skip this step even if you are only 150 Do not skip this step even if you are only upgrading one minor
152 version. New configuration options are add 151 version. New configuration options are added in each release, and
153 odd problems will turn up if the configurat 152 odd problems will turn up if the configuration files are not set up
154 as expected. If you want to carry your exi 153 as expected. If you want to carry your existing configuration to a
155 new version with minimal work, use ``make o 154 new version with minimal work, use ``make oldconfig``, which will
156 only ask you for the answers to new questio 155 only ask you for the answers to new questions.
157 156
158 - Alternative configuration commands are:: 157 - Alternative configuration commands are::
159 158
160 "make config" Plain text interface. 159 "make config" Plain text interface.
161 160
162 "make menuconfig" Text based color menus 161 "make menuconfig" Text based color menus, radiolists & dialogs.
163 162
164 "make nconfig" Enhanced text based co 163 "make nconfig" Enhanced text based color menus.
165 164
166 "make xconfig" Qt based configuration 165 "make xconfig" Qt based configuration tool.
167 166
168 "make gconfig" GTK+ based configurati 167 "make gconfig" GTK+ based configuration tool.
169 168
170 "make oldconfig" Default all questions 169 "make oldconfig" Default all questions based on the contents of
171 your existing ./.confi 170 your existing ./.config file and asking about
172 new config symbols. 171 new config symbols.
173 172
>> 173 "make silentoldconfig"
>> 174 Like above, but avoids cluttering the screen
>> 175 with questions already answered.
>> 176 Additionally updates the dependencies.
>> 177
174 "make olddefconfig" 178 "make olddefconfig"
175 Like above, but sets n 179 Like above, but sets new symbols to their default
176 values without prompti 180 values without prompting.
177 181
178 "make defconfig" Create a ./.config fil 182 "make defconfig" Create a ./.config file by using the default
179 symbol values from eit 183 symbol values from either arch/$ARCH/defconfig
180 or arch/$ARCH/configs/ 184 or arch/$ARCH/configs/${PLATFORM}_defconfig,
181 depending on the archi 185 depending on the architecture.
182 186
183 "make ${PLATFORM}_defconfig" 187 "make ${PLATFORM}_defconfig"
184 Create a ./.config fil 188 Create a ./.config file by using the default
185 symbol values from 189 symbol values from
186 arch/$ARCH/configs/${P 190 arch/$ARCH/configs/${PLATFORM}_defconfig.
187 Use "make help" to get 191 Use "make help" to get a list of all available
188 platforms of your arch 192 platforms of your architecture.
189 193
190 "make allyesconfig" 194 "make allyesconfig"
191 Create a ./.config fil 195 Create a ./.config file by setting symbol
192 values to 'y' as much 196 values to 'y' as much as possible.
193 197
194 "make allmodconfig" 198 "make allmodconfig"
195 Create a ./.config fil 199 Create a ./.config file by setting symbol
196 values to 'm' as much 200 values to 'm' as much as possible.
197 201
198 "make allnoconfig" Create a ./.config fil 202 "make allnoconfig" Create a ./.config file by setting symbol
199 values to 'n' as much 203 values to 'n' as much as possible.
200 204
201 "make randconfig" Create a ./.config fil 205 "make randconfig" Create a ./.config file by setting symbol
202 values to random value 206 values to random values.
203 207
204 "make localmodconfig" Create a config bas 208 "make localmodconfig" Create a config based on current config and
205 loaded modules (lsm 209 loaded modules (lsmod). Disables any module
206 option that is not 210 option that is not needed for the loaded modules.
207 211
208 To create a localmo 212 To create a localmodconfig for another machine,
209 store the lsmod of 213 store the lsmod of that machine into a file
210 and pass it in as a 214 and pass it in as a LSMOD parameter.
211 215
212 Also, you can prese <<
213 or kconfig files by <<
214 parameter LMC_KEEP. <<
215 <<
216 target$ lsmod > /tmp/mylsmo 216 target$ lsmod > /tmp/mylsmod
217 target$ scp /tmp/mylsmod ho 217 target$ scp /tmp/mylsmod host:/tmp
218 218
219 host$ make LSMOD=/tmp/mylsm !! 219 host$ make LSMOD=/tmp/mylsmod localmodconfig
220 LMC_KEEP="drivers/u <<
221 localmodconfig <<
222 220
223 The above also work 221 The above also works when cross compiling.
224 222
225 "make localyesconfig" Similar to localmod 223 "make localyesconfig" Similar to localmodconfig, except it will convert
226 all module options !! 224 all module options to built in (=y) options.
227 also preserve modul <<
228 <<
229 "make kvm_guest.config" Enable addition <<
230 support. <<
231 <<
232 "make xen.config" Enable additional opt <<
233 support. <<
234 <<
235 "make tinyconfig" Configure the tiniest <<
236 225
237 You can find more information on using the 226 You can find more information on using the Linux kernel config tools
238 in Documentation/kbuild/kconfig.rst. !! 227 in Documentation/kbuild/kconfig.txt.
239 228
240 - NOTES on ``make config``: 229 - NOTES on ``make config``:
241 230
242 - Having unnecessary drivers will make the 231 - Having unnecessary drivers will make the kernel bigger, and can
243 under some circumstances lead to problem 232 under some circumstances lead to problems: probing for a
244 nonexistent controller card may confuse 233 nonexistent controller card may confuse your other controllers.
245 234
246 - A kernel with math-emulation compiled in 235 - A kernel with math-emulation compiled in will still use the
247 coprocessor if one is present: the math 236 coprocessor if one is present: the math emulation will just
248 never get used in that case. The kernel 237 never get used in that case. The kernel will be slightly larger,
249 but will work on different machines rega 238 but will work on different machines regardless of whether they
250 have a math coprocessor or not. 239 have a math coprocessor or not.
251 240
252 - The "kernel hacking" configuration detai 241 - The "kernel hacking" configuration details usually result in a
253 bigger or slower kernel (or both), and c 242 bigger or slower kernel (or both), and can even make the kernel
254 less stable by configuring some routines 243 less stable by configuring some routines to actively try to
255 break bad code to find kernel problems ( 244 break bad code to find kernel problems (kmalloc()). Thus you
256 should probably answer 'n' to the questi 245 should probably answer 'n' to the questions for "development",
257 "experimental", or "debugging" features. 246 "experimental", or "debugging" features.
258 247
259 Compiling the kernel 248 Compiling the kernel
260 -------------------- 249 --------------------
261 250
262 - Make sure you have at least gcc 5.1 availab !! 251 - Make sure you have at least gcc 3.2 available.
263 For more information, refer to :ref:`Docume 252 For more information, refer to :ref:`Documentation/process/changes.rst <changes>`.
264 253
265 - Do a ``make`` to create a compressed kernel !! 254 Please note that you can still run a.out user programs with this kernel.
266 ``make install`` if you have lilo installed !! 255
267 install script recognised by the kernel's i !! 256 - Do a ``make`` to create a compressed kernel image. It is also
268 distributions will have a recognized instal !! 257 possible to do ``make install`` if you have lilo installed to suit the
269 check your distribution's setup first. !! 258 kernel makefiles, but you may want to check your particular lilo setup first.
270 259
271 To do the actual install, you have to be ro 260 To do the actual install, you have to be root, but none of the normal
272 build should require that. Don't take the n 261 build should require that. Don't take the name of root in vain.
273 262
274 - If you configured any of the parts of the k 263 - If you configured any of the parts of the kernel as ``modules``, you
275 will also have to do ``make modules_install 264 will also have to do ``make modules_install``.
276 265
277 - Verbose kernel compile/build output: 266 - Verbose kernel compile/build output:
278 267
279 Normally, the kernel build system runs in a 268 Normally, the kernel build system runs in a fairly quiet mode (but not
280 totally silent). However, sometimes you or 269 totally silent). However, sometimes you or other kernel developers need
281 to see compile, link, or other commands exa 270 to see compile, link, or other commands exactly as they are executed.
282 For this, use "verbose" build mode. This i 271 For this, use "verbose" build mode. This is done by passing
283 ``V=1`` to the ``make`` command, e.g.:: 272 ``V=1`` to the ``make`` command, e.g.::
284 273
285 make V=1 all 274 make V=1 all
286 275
287 To have the build system also tell the reas 276 To have the build system also tell the reason for the rebuild of each
288 target, use ``V=2``. The default is ``V=0` 277 target, use ``V=2``. The default is ``V=0``.
289 278
290 - Keep a backup kernel handy in case somethin 279 - Keep a backup kernel handy in case something goes wrong. This is
291 especially true for the development release 280 especially true for the development releases, since each new release
292 contains new code which has not been debugg 281 contains new code which has not been debugged. Make sure you keep a
293 backup of the modules corresponding to that 282 backup of the modules corresponding to that kernel, as well. If you
294 are installing a new kernel with the same v 283 are installing a new kernel with the same version number as your
295 working kernel, make a backup of your modul 284 working kernel, make a backup of your modules directory before you
296 do a ``make modules_install``. 285 do a ``make modules_install``.
297 286
298 Alternatively, before compiling, use the ke 287 Alternatively, before compiling, use the kernel config option
299 "LOCALVERSION" to append a unique suffix to 288 "LOCALVERSION" to append a unique suffix to the regular kernel version.
300 LOCALVERSION can be set in the "General Set 289 LOCALVERSION can be set in the "General Setup" menu.
301 290
302 - In order to boot your new kernel, you'll ne 291 - In order to boot your new kernel, you'll need to copy the kernel
303 image (e.g. .../linux/arch/x86/boot/bzImage 292 image (e.g. .../linux/arch/x86/boot/bzImage after compilation)
304 to the place where your regular bootable ke 293 to the place where your regular bootable kernel is found.
305 294
306 - Booting a kernel directly from a storage de !! 295 - Booting a kernel directly from a floppy without the assistance of a
307 of a bootloader such as LILO or GRUB, is no !! 296 bootloader such as LILO, is no longer supported.
308 (non-EFI systems). On UEFI/EFI systems, how <<
309 which allows the motherboard to boot direct <<
310 On modern workstations and desktops, it's g <<
311 bootloader as difficulties can arise with m <<
312 For more details on EFISTUB, <<
313 see "Documentation/admin-guide/efi-stub.rst <<
314 <<
315 - It's important to note that as of 2016 LILO <<
316 active development, though as it was extrem <<
317 in documentation. Popular alternatives incl <<
318 systemd-boot, or EFISTUB. For various reaso <<
319 software that's no longer in active develop <<
320 <<
321 - Chances are your distribution includes an i <<
322 ``make install`` will be all that's needed. <<
323 you'll have to identify your bootloader and <<
324 configure your EFI. <<
325 <<
326 Legacy LILO Instructions <<
327 ------------------------ <<
328 <<
329 <<
330 - If you use LILO the kernel images are speci <<
331 The kernel image file is usually /vmlinuz, <<
332 /boot/bzImage. To use the new kernel, save <<
333 the new image over the old one. Then, you M <<
334 loading map! If you don't, you won't be abl <<
335 <<
336 - Reinstalling LILO is usually a matter of ru <<
337 to edit /etc/lilo.conf to specify an entry <<
338 (say, /vmlinux.old) in case the new one doe <<
339 for more information. <<
340 297
341 - After reinstalling LILO, you should be all !! 298 If you boot Linux from the hard drive, chances are you use LILO, which
>> 299 uses the kernel image as specified in the file /etc/lilo.conf. The
>> 300 kernel image file is usually /vmlinuz, /boot/vmlinuz, /bzImage or
>> 301 /boot/bzImage. To use the new kernel, save a copy of the old image
>> 302 and copy the new image over the old one. Then, you MUST RERUN LILO
>> 303 to update the loading map! If you don't, you won't be able to boot
>> 304 the new kernel image.
>> 305
>> 306 Reinstalling LILO is usually a matter of running /sbin/lilo.
>> 307 You may wish to edit /etc/lilo.conf to specify an entry for your
>> 308 old kernel image (say, /vmlinux.old) in case the new one does not
>> 309 work. See the LILO docs for more information.
>> 310
>> 311 After reinstalling LILO, you should be all set. Shutdown the system,
342 reboot, and enjoy! 312 reboot, and enjoy!
343 313
344 - If you ever need to change the default root !! 314 If you ever need to change the default root device, video mode,
345 kernel image, use your bootloader's boot op !! 315 ramdisk size, etc. in the kernel image, use the ``rdev`` program (or
346 to recompile the kernel to change these par !! 316 alternatively the LILO boot options when appropriate). No need to
>> 317 recompile the kernel to change these parameters.
347 318
348 - Reboot with the new kernel and enjoy. 319 - Reboot with the new kernel and enjoy.
349 320
350 <<
351 If something goes wrong 321 If something goes wrong
352 ----------------------- 322 -----------------------
353 323
354 If you have problems that seem to be due to ke !! 324 - If you have problems that seem to be due to kernel bugs, please check
355 instructions at 'Documentation/admin-guide/rep !! 325 the file MAINTAINERS to see if there is a particular person associated
>> 326 with the part of the kernel that you are having trouble with. If there
>> 327 isn't anyone listed there, then the second best thing is to mail
>> 328 them to me (torvalds@linux-foundation.org), and possibly to any other
>> 329 relevant mailing-list or to the newsgroup.
>> 330
>> 331 - In all bug-reports, *please* tell what kernel you are talking about,
>> 332 how to duplicate the problem, and what your setup is (use your common
>> 333 sense). If the problem is new, tell me so, and if the problem is
>> 334 old, please try to tell me when you first noticed it.
>> 335
>> 336 - If the bug results in a message like::
>> 337
>> 338 unable to handle kernel paging request at address C0000010
>> 339 Oops: 0002
>> 340 EIP: 0010:XXXXXXXX
>> 341 eax: xxxxxxxx ebx: xxxxxxxx ecx: xxxxxxxx edx: xxxxxxxx
>> 342 esi: xxxxxxxx edi: xxxxxxxx ebp: xxxxxxxx
>> 343 ds: xxxx es: xxxx fs: xxxx gs: xxxx
>> 344 Pid: xx, process nr: xx
>> 345 xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
>> 346
>> 347 or similar kernel debugging information on your screen or in your
>> 348 system log, please duplicate it *exactly*. The dump may look
>> 349 incomprehensible to you, but it does contain information that may
>> 350 help debugging the problem. The text above the dump is also
>> 351 important: it tells something about why the kernel dumped code (in
>> 352 the above example, it's due to a bad kernel pointer). More information
>> 353 on making sense of the dump is in Documentation/admin-guide/oops-tracing.rst
>> 354
>> 355 - If you compiled the kernel with CONFIG_KALLSYMS you can send the dump
>> 356 as is, otherwise you will have to use the ``ksymoops`` program to make
>> 357 sense of the dump (but compiling with CONFIG_KALLSYMS is usually preferred).
>> 358 This utility can be downloaded from
>> 359 https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/utils/kernel/ksymoops/ .
>> 360 Alternatively, you can do the dump lookup by hand:
>> 361
>> 362 - In debugging dumps like the above, it helps enormously if you can
>> 363 look up what the EIP value means. The hex value as such doesn't help
>> 364 me or anybody else very much: it will depend on your particular
>> 365 kernel setup. What you should do is take the hex value from the EIP
>> 366 line (ignore the ``0010:``), and look it up in the kernel namelist to
>> 367 see which kernel function contains the offending address.
>> 368
>> 369 To find out the kernel function name, you'll need to find the system
>> 370 binary associated with the kernel that exhibited the symptom. This is
>> 371 the file 'linux/vmlinux'. To extract the namelist and match it against
>> 372 the EIP from the kernel crash, do::
>> 373
>> 374 nm vmlinux | sort | less
>> 375
>> 376 This will give you a list of kernel addresses sorted in ascending
>> 377 order, from which it is simple to find the function that contains the
>> 378 offending address. Note that the address given by the kernel
>> 379 debugging messages will not necessarily match exactly with the
>> 380 function addresses (in fact, that is very unlikely), so you can't
>> 381 just 'grep' the list: the list will, however, give you the starting
>> 382 point of each kernel function, so by looking for the function that
>> 383 has a starting address lower than the one you are searching for but
>> 384 is followed by a function with a higher address you will find the one
>> 385 you want. In fact, it may be a good idea to include a bit of
>> 386 "context" in your problem report, giving a few lines around the
>> 387 interesting one.
>> 388
>> 389 If you for some reason cannot do the above (you have a pre-compiled
>> 390 kernel image or similar), telling me as much about your setup as
>> 391 possible will help. Please read the :ref:`admin-guide/reporting-bugs.rst <reportingbugs>`
>> 392 document for details.
>> 393
>> 394 - Alternatively, you can use gdb on a running kernel. (read-only; i.e. you
>> 395 cannot change values or set break points.) To do this, first compile the
>> 396 kernel with -g; edit arch/x86/Makefile appropriately, then do a ``make
>> 397 clean``. You'll also need to enable CONFIG_PROC_FS (via ``make config``).
>> 398
>> 399 After you've rebooted with the new kernel, do ``gdb vmlinux /proc/kcore``.
>> 400 You can now use all the usual gdb commands. The command to look up the
>> 401 point where your system crashed is ``l *0xXXXXXXXX``. (Replace the XXXes
>> 402 with the EIP value.)
356 403
357 Hints on understanding kernel bug reports are !! 404 gdb'ing a non-running kernel currently fails because ``gdb`` (wrongly)
358 'Documentation/admin-guide/bug-hunting.rst'. M !! 405 disregards the starting offset for which the kernel is compiled.
359 with gdb is in 'Documentation/dev-tools/gdb-ke <<
360 'Documentation/dev-tools/kgdb.rst'. <<
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