Summary

The Linux kernel lies at the heart of all input to and output from a Linux computer, including network data transfers. For this reason, it's important that any networked Linux computer have appropriate options selected in the kernel. You can optimize a kernel for a particular task by including options you might not otherwise include, or by omitting options that are unnecessary memory wasters . Most networking options fall under just two kernel configuration menus: Networking Options and Network Device Support. Both menus include many options and several submenus. Once you've selected the options you want, you must compile the Linux kernel by typing a few commands. You can then install the kernel for use by reconfiguring LILO to give you the option of using the new kernel.