change_kernels program (use to easily change kernel)

[bigpup]

Note:
This works for Puppy installed as a frugal or live install on a drive location that is read/write.
The frugal install must have a save file/folder and be booted using the save.

All recent Puppy versions have the program change_kernels.
If there is no menu entry to run.
In a terminal or console

Code: Select all

change_kernels

This program will automatically take care of replacing the old kernel files and renaming the replacement files.
All that is needed is placing the required files, from the new kernel, into the input slots.

Update:
If you want the very latest version of change_kernels
Read 01micko's post on how to get it.

Most Puppy versions kernels are found here:
http://distro.ibiblio.org/puppylinux/huge_kernels/

Kernels compiled for no specific Puppy are here:
viewforum.php?f=65

Note:
The image is the newest version of change_kernels.
The info wording in the older version is a little confusing.
Only the files from the new kernel go into the two input slots.

To use kernel files input option.

Download the kernel tarball.
Use Uextract program to extract the files in the tarball, or some other similar program.
The contents of the kernel tarball will be found in a directory(Folder), made by decompressing it.
Enter the new vmlinuz, zdrv sfs or kernel modules sfs files in the input slots.
from a Rox file manager window, you can drag and drop the files into the slots.
The change_kernels program, will replace old files, and rename new files to correct names, for the Puppy version.

The newest version of change_kernels, can also just use the new kernel compressed tar package file.
Select the tab for that type input.
It will automatically decompress, select correct files, replace old kernel files, and rename new files as required.

Screenshot(1).jpg (52.35 KiB) Viewed 6483 times

.
.
After you get the kernel changed.
Reboot now using the new kernel.
To make sure it is being used.
Watch the boot process information showing the kernel being used.
Should show information about the new kernel.

[bigpup]

Anyone got a pet package of the newest change_kernels?

Know how to make a pet package of it?
All the new files are at Woof-CE, but the parts are separate code files.
I assume, if a new Puppy version is made using Woof-CE build system.
The newest version of change_kernels will be in it.
https://github.com/puppylinux-woof-CE/w ... nd/testing

Screenshot(2).jpg (59 KiB) Viewed 6476 times

[01micko]

Probably not a good idea to post a pet package of change_kernels. It is always under development and crucially has to be kept stable and backward compatible so I recommend always getting the latest version. Case in point is that your image [mention]bigpup[/mention] is already outdated.

You can easily do this on the commandline and roll your own pet for personal use - note `date` is used as the version.

Code: Select all

DIR=change_kernels-`date +%d-%m-%y`
mkdir -p $DIR/usr/sbin
curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/puppylinux-woof-CE/woof-CE/testing/woof-code/rootfs-packages/change_kernels/usr/sbin/change_kernels > $DIR/usr/sbin/change_kernels
chmod 755 $DIR/usr/sbin/change_kernels
dir2pet $DIR

Actually, you can probably copy/paste that snippet to a script and it should work.

[Lassar]

Tried change_kernels in Bionicpup64, and there is no
kernel tarball option.

How can I choose the kernel tarball, since it does not
exist?

Do I have to extract the files in the tarball?

If so what do I rename them to?

[ozsouth]

@Lassar - many kernel tarballs are found via the 'Kernel archive' topic in this subforum.
You have to download one first, then run change_kernels in bionicpup64. Alternatively, my
recent kernels have manual instructions (choose Ubuntu derivative if using bionicpup64).

[bigpup]

If the change_kernels program, is not the latest version, and does not have option to use the kernel tarball.

Download the kernel tarball.
Use Uextract program to extract the files in the tarball.
Enter the new vmlinuz and zdrv sfs files in the input slots.
The change_kernels program, will replace, and rename them to correct names, for the Puppy version

[Lassar]

Got this error.

"cannot stat 'kodi-ver-18-bionicpup64/vmlinux

Where can I find the latest change_kernels?

Looked in the woofce and cannot find it.

[bigpup]

Read 01micko's post
viewtopic.php?p=1679#p1679

Why do you think change_kernels program is causing that error?