Should I use the netbook kernel?

[RVDowning]

I just got a netbook and was wondering if I should use the netbook kernel (2010.0). What is the benefit over the regular desktop kernel? -- just smaller or what? I am going to install virtualbox (PUEL) and it needs the kernel source so when looking through the downloads I noticed the netbook kernel. I hadn't known there was such a thing. So, should I change to the netbook one?

 

 

[moved from Software by spinynorman]

[ianw1974]

Based on this:

 

Name        : kernel-netbook-2.6.31.6-1mdv
Version     : 1
Release     : 1mdv2010.0
Group       : System/Kernel and hardware
Size        : 19165471                     Architecture: x86_64
Summary     : Linux Kernel for netbook use with x86_64

 

Name        : kernel-desktop-2.6.31.6-1mnb
Version     : 1
Release     : 1mnb2
Group       : System/Kernel and hardware
Size        : 38144943                     Architecture: x86_64
Summary     : Linux Kernel for desktop use with x86_64

 

yes, it's smaller, by almost 50%.

[RVDowning]

Thanks much. I have installed it. Only difference I notice is that I installed kernel-netbook-2.6.31.6-2mdv. Note the "2" in front of mdv.

[scarecrow]

Just use the "kernel-netbook" stuff, or check what your netbook really needs, and roll your own custom kernel.

Yes, I know it's not trivial in distros like Mandriva (where the stock kernels are very heavily patched), but IMHO it's worth the effort.