Linked by Ben Hughes on Tue 5th Oct 2004 19:16 UTC
GNU/Linux, and all other operating systems, are based around a kernel which controls hardware access and maximizes CPU and RAM efficiency by controlling when and how much programs get to use. The difference between Linux and most other operating systems (closed source ones at least BSD and other open source OS's you can do this with) is that you can compile the kernel to meet your needs.
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I've been compiling my own kernel for a while, I still have questions.
What is System V IPC? The help for it says it's considered a "good thing", but what is it really? And is it really needed?
What is BSD Process Accounting? Why would I need it? Again the help suggests that you use it, but why? I've compiled my kernel with and without it and I don't see how it changes the system one iota.
What is Auditing Support? The help information is too generic. I compile my kernel without it because having it in the kernel doesn't seem to matter.
What is the HPET timer? The help file says it's a new internal timer and that without the option, the kernel will use a "legacy" timer. The word legacy really jumps out at me, so I include it. But again - without it in the kernel, I see no difference in performance or my ability to boot, run programs, or whatever.
Preemption sounds like a good thing in theory. But I don't see how it helps. I include it ... but when playing with my system without preemption, I haven't seen a difference.
I have other questions ... but those are the main ones.