Hello,

I have reviewed the documentation for mkinitrd but still have some questions.
It is my understanding that the initrd is used by the kernel on the initial boot of the system. The kernel then makes a normal boot disk with this data and stops using the initrd. So, when you want to make changes to certain kernel features like modprobe or you want to change certain modules that the kernel will start at boot time you have to create a new initrd using mkinitrd.

First, is this correct and what other info can you give me on the subject?

Second, when the new initrd is created does the kernel know to boot to the new one and what do I have to do if not?

Third, when I use the mkinitrd command it is asking me about the location of a system map file...does this contain all the data that mkinitrd needs to make the rd...the process of making the rd seems different than times ive done it in the past...what is the story here?

Thanks