14 DAY TRIAL // GNU/Linux developer Arne Exton informs us today, July 12, 2016, about the general availability of the recently released Linux 4.6.4 kernel for Slackware 14.2 and many of its derivatives.
Just yesterday, we reported on the debut of Linux kernel 4.6.4 as the latest and most advanced stable kernel version available for GNU/Linux operating systems, and Arne Exton has been quick to compile it for Slackware-based distributions, including Slackware 14.2, Slax, Zenwalk, and SlackEX.
However, it looks like Mr. Exton's 4.6.4-x86_64-exton kernel is 64-bit only, which means that you can't install it on a 32-bit Slackware-based operating system. And he has also provided us with details installations instructions, which you can read in the next paragraphs.
"I have compiled a very useful (as I think) 64-bit kernel for Slackware Current (14.2) and/or all Slackware derivatives," says Arne Exton. "The kernel is compiled exactly the same way as Slackware’s latest kernel huge. My kernel 4.6.4-x86_64-exton has even more support for new hardware, etc."
How to install the Linux 4.6.4-x86_64-exton kernel in Slackware-based OSes
The installation of the Linux 4.6.4-x86_64-exton kernel is pretty straightforward, and all you have to do is download the linux-kernel-4.6.4-x86_64-exton.txz archive from Mr. Exton's website while making sure that you also check the MD5 checksum, extract the archive's contents in your Home directory, and use the command below to install it.
installpkg linux-kernel-4.6.4-x86_64-exton.txz
Please try to keep in mind a few facts before installing this custom kernel on your Slackware-based OS. First, it will overwrite the existing kernel package, implicitly the /boot/vmlinuz file, which means that you should back it up if you want to return to your previous version. Second, the GRUB bootloader might need modifications if you have a custom setup.
And lastly, if you are using an Nvidia graphics cards, you should know that you'll have to remove the “blacklisting” of the Nouveau open source graphics driver in the blacklist.conf and nvidia-installer-disable-nouveau.conf files located in the /etc/modprobe.d directory before restarting the computer. Do report any issues if you run into trouble while installing this kernel.