Kernel : compile or not?

[sysp]

Hi All,

I am wondering, sometimes there are system parameters that we can set by just modifying a file, and sometimes some system parameters we need to compile the kernel in order to change it.

What differs those things?

[Rubberman]

Not a simple question to answer. Some system parameters are settable via the /proc file system. Others have system tools to do that. Others require configuring and building the kernel appropriately. So, what EXACTLY are you trying to do?

[sysp]

Thanks for your view rubberman,

basically if i am teaching a class, and one asking me do we need to recompile kernel to activate ipv6, and how i answer it?? how to differ what to compile kernel and what not? maybe it is only based on experience, is it?


Note:
as i know, in redhat you no need, but in ubuntu you must recompile kernel to activate ipv6.

[Rubberman]

Current kernels will have ipv6 support in them automatically. Some tools, such as the iptables firewall, have an installable package for ipv6, at least on CentOS/RHEL 5 systems. I don't think you need to recompile the ubuntu kernel to get ipv6, unless it is an older version of the OS. You can check that easily enough on the ubuntu web site I think.