Quick HOWTO : Kernel Upgrade in Linux

Here is the Quick HOWTO Steps to upgrade the Kernel in Linux..

Steps:

1. Update the kernel

a. use 'uname -a' to reveal current version

b. use 'rpm -qa | grep -i kernel' - to reveal installed version

c. cat /etc/grub.conf -> /boot/grub/grub.conf - "" ""

2. Proper installation method is as follows:

a. 'rpm -ivh kernel*rpm' - install a separate version

Note: Install the following kernel packages if necessary:

a. kernel-devel* - if module compilation is necessary

b. kernel-headers* - if recompilation is necessary

Install:

a. rpm -ivh kernel-2.6.18-53.el5.i686.rpm

Note: This will update GRUB (/boot/grub/grub.conf)

Note: Will also place the new kernel in the /boot file system

Examine traces in:

a. /boot

b. /boot/grub/grub.conf

3. Remove traces of former kernel using 'rpm -e [--nodeps]'

a. kernel-2.6.18-8.el5 - removes older version

b. kernel-headers-2.6.18-8.el5 - force remove ignoring dependencies 'rpm -e --nodeps kernel-headers-2.6.18-8.el5'

c. kernel-devel-2.6.18-8.el5

4. Install new 'kernel-headers' and 'kernel-devel' packages using YUM:

a. yum -y install kernel-headers

b. yum -y install kernel-devel

5. Confirm that the 3 'kernel-*' packages are installed:

a. rpm -qa | grep kernel

Note: Removal of older kernel-* packages cleans up:

a. /boot

b. /boot/grub/grub.conf (menu.lst)

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