Kernel/Configuration/Kernel Seeds

Kernel seeds are pre-made kernel configuration files. They are not necessary to use when configuring a kernel, but they, along with tools such as genkernel, are helpful for users who may be unfamiliar with configuring the Linux kernel.

Concepts
Once upon a time a Gentoo user by the name of Pappy had an idea. Since configuring the Linux kernel can take much time out of a person's day, why not share generic configuration files with other users? Sharing a configuration file is as easy as putting a link to the file on the internet for any user to download. In Pappy's own words, Kernel Seeds are a "sane for the real world."

What are the benefits of using Kernel Seed?
 * Most default settings will be automatically configured.
 * Time can be saved; using a pre-configured Seed is more efficient than starting without a file.

What are the hindrances of using Kernel Seeds?
 * Negates learning the "tough stuff" for the user.
 * In many cases users need to perform additional configuration steps in order to make the Seed bootable; seeds are not bootable "out-of-the-box".
 * Usually the process (see below) takes longer than using Genkernel.

Configuration
Setting up the environment to use a Kernel Seed is not difficult at all, it's as simple a copying the file off the web into the current set of Kernel sources.

Verify the symlink is set to the newest emerged Kernel sources:

Substitute  in the next command with the desired Kernel sources number (left column) in the list printed by the previous command:

Grab the Kernel Seed configuration file off the internet by using a utility of choice. is used in the next example:

Figure out what additional drivers the system will need by inspecting the PCI and USB devices with the appropriate tools. Installing and  will be required for this step, as they contain the utilities for the task at hand.

View the output generated from and. Add any needed drivers to the kernel configuration by using the menu target of choice :

Once everything is set, run the the following make commands to built the new kernel:

Verify is mounted (if applicable) and then install the newly build sources to the  location:

If needed, perform additional steps to add the new kernel to the system's boot loader. Supposing the system uses GRUB2:

Reboot the system. After (if) the system reboots successfully look at the output of. A full log be can viewed by looking at the dmesg log file located at with the pager of choice.