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

[Wol <antlists@youngman.org.uk>]

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.

Cheers,
Wol