Running Linux, Third Edition

Kernel Options

The following kernel options can be specified in /etc/lilo.conf as well as on the boot command line:

append= string

Appends the options specified in string to the parameter line passed to the kernel. This is typically used to specify certain hardware parameters. For example, if your system has more than 64 MB of memory (i.e., more than your BIOS can recognize), you can use append:

append = "mem=128M"

initrd= filename

Specifies the file to load into /dev/initrd when booting with a RAM disk. See also the options load_ramdisk, prompt_ramdisk, ramdisk_size, and ramdisk_start.

literal= string

Is like append, but replaces all other kernel boot options.

noinitrd

Preserves the contents of /dev/initrd so they can be read once after the kernel is booted.

prompt_ramdisk= n

Specifies whether the kernel should prompt you to insert the floppy disk that contains the RAM disk image, for use during Linux installation.

Values of n are:

0

Don’t prompt. Usually used for an installation where the kernel and the RAM disk image both fit on one floppy.

1

Prompt. This is the default.

ramdisk= size

Is obsolete. This option should be used only with kernels older than Version 1.3.48. For newer kernels, see the options load_ramdisk, prompt_ramdisk, ramdisk_size, and ramdisk_start.

ramdisk_size= n

Specifies the amount of memory, in kilobytes, to be allocated for the RAM disk. The default is 4096, which allocates 4 MB.

ramdisk_start= offset

Used for a Linux installation where both ...