Linux Debian config file help?

Question

Hi, I am attempting compile some driver packages. They won't compile. In the error log it say: Makefile.linux:151 *** Cannot find a kernel config file. Stop.
What could be the problem? Since I am Linux newb, please give "for dummies" style instructions.

Answer 1

may i sugest starting a thread at debian forums,,, you will find alot more help there

Answer 2

Try google for debian forums



Compiling drivers is not for newbs. But I guess it's one way to learn stuff so you won't be a newb anymore.

In Fedora there are kernel packages (the basic OS), kernel header packages (needed to compile some programs) and kernel development packages (needed to compile the kernel itself). To compile a driver, you'd typically need the whole development package. That would give a distro kernel version 100% compatible with your current system, particularly if you get the packages for the exact same release.



Or you can go to kernel.org and download a complete official kernel and compile it. The distro vendors like RedHat and Debian tend to make odd changes and use different build techniques so it can get a bit confusing. Third party driver authors may provide vanilla builds that work with official kernel.org kernels, or build instructions for Fedora, Debian, or both, depending on how serious they are about getting their driver widely accepted.



I'm not that familiar with Debian, but I hazard a guess that you are missing some kernel development package. If you figure out the name, you may be able to get it online e.g. "apt-get kernel-devel"

Answer 3

You might not have the tools needed for compiling software. Those tools are not installed by default.

Good luck