Can one roll a kernel using the vanilla kernel rpm? I know you would need kernel-devel and possibly headers, but can it be done?
I use F7 and the stock rpm never built properly for me, i had to download 2.6.22.6 from kernel.org and that is fine.
Also, the unadjusted fedora .config IS the same as the default installed kernel, and i would say it's more like a baskin-robbins gift basket than anything "vanilla". There is enough stuff there to get sick on, which is a good reason to make your own. I guarantee 95% of users do not need 95% of the built-in options; they are just included so anyone can do anything right off the bat. On the other hand, don't fret too much, I think the kernel and it's mass are much much less significant now than back when you would be wishing you had one of those new pentium chips.
giving it a go, as the i686 kernel seems to be rolled with intel and I want to get all the gusto I can as I have an AMD-64 chip. Which, from what I'm seeming, is not checked off in the Fedora stock build.
It has to be optimized for one or the other but not both, i believe. Go thru those "processor type and features" options carefully, there are probably a FEW things in there to consider.
used to be a HOW-TO at fedora.redhat.com, but damned if I can find it.
Yes, the LDP (linux documentation project) people have apparently discontinued this -- i hope not to discourage anyone from trying! That is how i learned to build kernels years ago, and what was once intimidating is now easy. Unfortunately, I do not have a copy of the HOW-TO, but for sure someone out there does so write a post asking for it. The most important thing, which has not changed with the versions, is understanding how to boot test your new kernel and how to switch back to the old one if it fails. Grub or lilo documentation may help with this (I think the HOW-TO actually refers to lilo whereas fedora uses grub, hmph).
nb. xconfig often or usually fails but menuconfig should work and is much, much better than answering y/n questions one at a time.
good luck ric! from the sound of it you are going to need to find some instructions!
ps. you are not BURNING a new kernel, you are COMPILING one. but call it "rolling" and you might be ok
