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Custom Kernel Guide

Installing a custom kernel on GoldenDog Linux can be an engaging challenge, especially for seekers of deep system optimization. However, it is a task that comes with significant responsibility.

Security Responsibility

When you install a custom kernel, you are responsible for monitoring CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). A CVE is a publicly disclosed security flaw. Unlike official packages, custom kernels require you to manually apply patches from kernel.org and recompile frequently to keep your system secure.

Option 1: Alexia's Kernel Installer (Advanced)​

If you want the absolute latest stable kernel, the recommended tool is Alexia's Kernel Installer.

Created by the lead developer of GoldenDog Linux, this tool fully supports the distribution. It streamlines the process by:

  • Downloading the latest stable source code from kernel.org.
  • Optimizing the configuration specifically for GoldenDog/Debian.
  • Compiling and installing the kernel automatically.

Important Considerations​

  • Security: You must run the program again to recompile whenever a new security patch (CVE) is released for the stable branch.
  • Proprietary Drivers: Installing a new kernel version usually requires you to reinstall or recompile proprietary modules such as NVIDIA or VMware.

This is the safest and most efficient option for most users. It allows you to run a modern kernel while letting the Debian security team handle the patching for you. Since these are provided as pre-compiled binaries, the installation is much faster than compiling your own.

Installation Steps​

  1. Update your package lists:

    sudo apt update

  2. Install the kernel and headers from backports:

    sudo apt -t trixie-backports install linux-image-amd64 linux-headers-amd64 -y

  3. Reboot your machine:

    sudo reboot

    After rebooting, your system will be running the latest kernel version available in the backports repository.