Running Linux, Third Edition

Tuning and Post-Installation Considerations

Linux should now boot and work adequately. However, we recommend several enhancements.

Kernel Tuning

Once you have completed the installation, compile your own kernel, because the kernel shipped with your distribution probably contains more device drivers than you need. You can find information on compiling a kernel at the AlphaLinux web site (http://www.alphalinux.org), as well as in the kernel Howto (available from any Linux archive site).

Performance and Library Tuning

To increase the performance of AlphaLinux, you can replace the standard math libraries with the Compaq Portable Math Library (CPML). The CPML is identical in content to the Compaq Tru64 Unix libm and replaces the AlphaLinux libm directly. For more information on the CPML, visit:

                    http://www.compaq.com/math.

A good resource for AlphaLinux performance tuning is available at:

                  http://cyclone.ncsa.uiuc.edu/PCA/PerformanceTuning.html                

Binary Emulation

AlphaLinux is mostly binary compatible with Tru64 Unix (Digital Unix or DU); however, not all the system calls have been implemented. To run Tru64 Unix binaries on AlphaLinux, you need some of the shared libraries from Tru64 Unix, which requires a legal license of Tru64 Unix. More detailed explanation on how to set this up can be found in the AlphaLinux FAQ at http://www.alphalinux.org/faq/FAQ.html.

AlphaLinux can also execute i386 Linux binaries through a program called ...