HardwareForums.com Kernels

Hardwareforums.com is now hosting architecturally-optimized Linux kernels! Currently I'm packaging custom kernels for Debian “Lenny”, which should also work with many Debian-derivative distributions of Linux. These kernels are based off of the latest stable source from kernel.org, and will be updated as frequently as my schedule allows. There are some definate advantages to running a custom Linux kernel, but also some disadvantages which should be taken into account.

• Optimized for extremely low-latency desktop usage. Also perfect for dedicated game servers.
• Will behave responsively even under excessively heavy resource loads.
• Ideal for applications that require near real-time responsiveness, such as gaming and multimedia work.
• Built with CPU-specific optimizations to make the most of your hardware.
• Supports SMP, multi-core CPUs and up to 64gb RAM on modern architectures.
• More current kernels support more hardware and provide bugfixes which may not be present in distro-maintained kernels.
• The deprecated OSS (Open Source Software) is entirely removed in favor of ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) and its reverse-compatibility with OSS.

• Pre-packaged binaries of proprietary video drivers, etc which are built against the vendor-provided kernel will not work; they will need to be built and installed manually.
• Receiving support from official distributor-specific channels may be hindered by using an unsupported kernel.
• The vanilla kernel source from kernel.org is newer and therefore not as well-tested as the distro-provided kernel.
• Only 32-bit builds are provided (with 64-bit optimizations where applicable), since this currently makes the most sense for desktops.
• This kernel enjoys no official support, nor even the suggestion of any warranty whatsoever. They are to be used strictly at one's own risk, and are supported only at a friendly capacity here at hardwareforums.com

• About The Kernel Configuration
• Which kernel should I use?
• Howto check the MD5 sums of downloaded kernels
• Howto install the custom kernel
• Video Drivers Howto

⇒ Should you decide our custom kernels are for you, they can be found here: http://kernel.hardwareforums.com/pub/

If you have any questions, problems or suggestions please feel free to post them here.

Best regards,
-AT