Compiling Latest Linux Kernel

Hi Friends,

As per requirement of our client, recently I compiled latest stable Linux kernel (linux-3.9.7) on my CentOS-6.3.
So as usual I wanna share steps for compiling the kernel :)

Below are the steps. Please follow if you also want to do the same.

Step 1) Download latest stable Linux Kernel from http://kernel.org/ and untar the package.

[root@localhost ~]# cd /usr/src/

[root@localhost src]# wget https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v3.x/linux-3.9.7.tar.xz

[root@localhost src]#tar -xvf linux-3.9.7.tar.xz

step 2) Choose appropriate Module 

[root@localhost src]# cd linux-3.9.7

[root@localhost linux-3.9.7 ]# make menuconfig

Note: This will show kernel configuration screen . Navigate and deselect things (drivers) you do not need. In case of doubt just leave the initial option/selection. Save the configuration and exit the menu. 

After saving your configuration (it is stored in the ".config" file) exit from screen.

Step 3) compile the kernel

[root@localhost linux-3.9.7 ]#make

Note: This is time consuming task and will take more then hr's depending on your hardware.  

Step 4) copy all the modules to a new directory, "/lib/modules/3.9.7"

[root@localhost linux-3.9.7 ]#make modules_install

Step 5) copy compiled files into appropriate locations

[root@localhost linux-3.9.7 ]#make install

Step 6) Remove all generated files + config + various backup files 

[root@localhost linux-3.9.7 ]#make mrproper

That's all about Kernel compiling. And Please don't forget to edit grub.conf to change default boot option with new kernel.

Enjoy !!!!!!!