Advanced Linux: The Linux Kernel

Introduction

• Linux kernel overview
• Using the exercise files
• Prerequisites and takeaways
• What is the Linux kernel?
• Where's the kernel?

1. Surveying the Linux Kernel

• Discover and control hardware
• Understand system call mechanics
• Read messages from the kernel
• Use the /proc and /sys filesystems
• Challenge: hw, syscalls, proc and sysfs
• Challenge: Solution

2. Booting

• Understanding the bootloader GRUB
• Configuring GRUB
• Kernel command line parameters
• Configuring and using systemd services
• Debugging initramfs images
• Challenge: GRUB, targets, the initramfs
• Challenge: Solution

3. Working with Loadable Kernel Modules

• Loadable kernel modules (LKMs)
• Finding the LKMs
• Using LKM commands
• Identifying how LKMs work
• Challenge: Working the LKMs
• Challenge: Solution

4. Examining Linux Kernel Source Code

• Get the kernel source
• Explore the kernel makefile
• Examine and build kernel documentation
• Search the kernel source
• Examine kernel driver source
• Additional selected subdirectories
• Challenge: Linux kernel source code
• Challenge: Solution

5. Configuring and Building a Linux Kernel

• Using make menuconfig
• Using make xconfig
• Explore kernel config files
• Build and install modules and kernel
• Challenge: Installing a kernel and LKMs
• Challenge: Solution

Conclusion

• Next steps