Re: [gentoo-user] Do I need firmware for an integrated graphics unit?

[Peter Humphrey <peter@prh.myzen.co.uk>]

On Wednesday, 21 August 2024 16:22:18 BST Wol wrote:
> On 21/08/2024 14:49, Michael wrote:
> >> That would involve me learning how to make and handle a modular kernel,
> >> something I'd really rather not have to do.
> > 
> > Well, there's nothing to it really.  Just configure your kernel with the
> > drivers needed by your graphics card, but set them as modules.  Then boot
> > with it and check dmesg.  The kernel will load the modules and try to
> > fetch the requisite firmware.
> 
> Just don't forget to "make modules" and "make modules_install". Then you
> need to make sure it's included in any initramfs, so no it's not quite
> as simple as "but set them as modules" if you don't have any other modules.
> 
> That said, I've always had a modular kernel and there really isn't
> anything much to it - I just do my best (provided I can find them) to
> configure all the *required* drivers into the kernel, so if the module
> system fails the system still boots, or if only sometimes need them,
> modules aren't loaded until necessary to save ram.
> 
> Knowing how to boot a modular kernel is a sensible skill to have. And
> booting the modular way (even if you don't actually have any modules) is
> an easy and sensible thing to do.

Someone said once that he builds-in everything necessary to start the system, 
and all the less essential things as modules. That seems to make sense, and I 
followed that advice for some years. I haven't been too particular more 
recently, though.

-- 
Regards,
Peter.