Alright, this question is so basic, I'm almost embarrassed to ask it. What exactly is the kernel? Is it comparable to autoexec.bat or config.sys in DOS? Also, how do I know which kernel version I'm using? Is there something like the ver command used in DOS? I have been using Mandrake 9.2 on my computer for a while, but I never really needed to delve into it, simply because it never gave me as much trouble as Windows 95 did. Right now I just added a US Robotics modem to my Mandrake system. The instructions say that the modem should be auto detected provided I'm using kernel version 2.3 or higher. The modem is not detected, this is my first hardware snafuu with Linux. Not sure where to start with this.

The kernel is guts of the operating system. The kernel is the heart of the system that controls the multitasking of programs, the accessing of hardware devices, and interaction with the user and user-level programs. On top of the kernel is a bunch of programs meant to let the user interface easily with the kernel. By itself, a kernel is nothing, as it doesn't really even have any method of taking commands from the user. The GNU programs make up the rest of the system, and build on the Linux kernel. For example: the console is part of the GNU program set. Only the most low level commands directly interface with the kernel. Most of the programs you use make use of GNU programs that then access the kernel. Go here: www.kernel.org for more info. Also, Mandrake 9.2 should be running kernel 2.4. If you want you can upgrade to Mandrake 10 (a free download of course) from the mandrake site. I think the newest version of Mandrake uses kernel 2.6, but I'm not certain.

Thanks for the info

Windoze too has a kernel although you are unable to customize it or view the source code....

Really, what is it? command.com? msdos.sys? would like to know for the sake of curiosity.

I am not 100% sure as I no longer use windoze, but I think it's kernel32.dll or kernel.dll For more info do a search for kernel on www.wikipedia.com: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_%28computer_science%29

The Win95 kernel was kernel32.dll. You should be able to set up your new modem in MCC [the Mandrake Control Center]. It is possible that if your modem is new, it may not be supported by your version of Mandrake. I checked, and Mandrakelinux 9.2 Desktop support ended 09/30/2004, and base support will end 03/30/2005. You can see the Mandrakesoft product lifetime chart here I suggest you get a later version of Mandrakelinux soon. By the end of this month you should see the new Mandrakelinux 10.1 (Official) become available, so you may wish to wait for a bit to upgrade. I think you will like the improvements. HTH, Ernie [ewilcox@buckeye-express.com] ICQ 41060744 Registered Linux User 247790