Help wanted with writing kernel tutorial

I'm currently writing a new tutorial for a GNU/Linux newbie web site I help maintain, NewToLinux.org.uk. It's aim is, like many of our tutorials, unconventional in that it's not designed for any particular practical aim (like telling people how to compile a kernel), but instead it aims to give people a general understanding of what the kernel is, what it does, how it does it, and a little practical experience of modules. In my experience, most tutorials, often without realising it, assume a certain amount of knowledge on the behalf of the newbie which they simply don't have. NewToLinux addresses this problem by offering lots of general tutorials, and I'm looking to expand our range beyond the really new-newbie topics like "how to use the shell" to more advanced topics like kernels

I've written a first draft, and have received a few comments from members of my LUG, but I'd really appreciate some more input, as I'm not exactly an expert on the Linux kernel, and so I'm not sure if its all technically correct, if I've missed any obvious points, etc. I'd also appreciate even more comments from newbies to the subject who find bits difficult to understand, so I can clarify the points.

You can find the tutorial here:
http://www.newtolinux.org.uk/tutorials/linuxkernel.html

Thanks in advance for any comments.

Seems good to me...
Maybe a few words about why people want to compile their own kernel (apart from the hacker mindset). I know you touched the subject, and that most other howto's addresses it, but being a general introduction it might be worth mentioning.
Just my thoughts...

//NoXcuz

Hmm, that's an interesting point. Perhaps I could mention things one might want to do with the kernel in the last section, "what else should I know?".

After you introduce the term POSIX, you refer to the glossary. I would find it helpful if this reference were a link the glossary, or even to the section of the glossary which defines POSIX. Similar to the link you embedded for the 'Components' tutorial.

The tutorial is great, and I've added your site to my bookmarks.

Thanks,

--- Cerbere

The reference could easily be made a link to the "p" section of the glossary, so I will make that change when I get back to my machine later

Thanks for the suggestion.

UPDATE: I've changes a few details in the "lsmod" section (corrections from a wiser LUG member ), and I've made changes according to suggestions from NoXcuz and Cerbere.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for the "things to go and do with your kernel" bit? I couldn't think of many things to do beyond those listed

Hullo,

I just thought I'd mention that I've now finished the tutorial, and it's "online" on the Web Site.

Thanks to those that helped me out

so of I went, read some of the tutorials, compiled SCSI emulation into my kernel (for cdr support), ran lilo, rebooted and the whole lot was broke..

It took me about 2 hours to fix it all, but I did learn a hell of a lot about mounting filesystems and running lilo!!!

so I have had a load of fun tonight and I have collected some great kernel bookmarks - thanks !!!

christo

LOL you're welcome - I think!

Perhaps I should put a warning note at the bottom with the links saying that you can cause a lot of problems by toying a lot (compiling, etc) and that you should only do it if you don't mind having a bit of fun for a few hours if something goes wrong!