The dCore base system consists of only two files. The first is a Linux kernel, specific to the dCore version being run (eg. vmlinuz-xenial). The second an initrd (compressed Linux file system, eg. dCore-xenial.gz) containing the directory structure, applications and scripts that run the system (eg. BusyBox tools, dCore scripts). True to the Tiny Core philosophy both files are small (kernel <4 MB, initrd ~12 MB).

The kernel used by a dCore port is based on the most recent Tiny Core Linux kernel available when the port is prepared for release. It is rebuilt specifically for dCore with any custom configuration that may be required, such as systemd-related issues. Kernel modules are also prepared. The kernel config, patched source and READMEs can be found here: http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/import/src/.

Current dCore kernels can be manually downloaded from dCore ports (stable releases, release candidates), along with the associated dCore initrd file, using a web browser or wget. Depending on permissions of the directory, sudo may be needed. Example:

wget http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/release/dCore-trusty/vmlinuz-trusty

When setting up a dCore system, kernel modules may be used to provide additional functionality (eg. graphics, wireless, sound). Use the sce-searchprebuilt command to see a list of available kernel modules. They are then installed using the sce-import command. It is recommended that any desired or required kernel modules be available during boot (eg. sce-import -b abc).

All older dCore ports, such as dCore-jessie and dCore-wily, use the 3.16.6 kernel. The most recent dCore release candidate, dCore-xenial, uses the 4.2.9 kernel, the kernel used in Tiny Core Linux v7.

To provide stability kernels are not updated during the lifespan of the dCore port. There is, therefore, no reason to check or apply kernel updates. Similar to most Linux distributions, users with newer hardware should consider utilizing the newest dCore port available.

As dCore boots to RAM, manually replacing a kernel is simple:

• Download new kernel.
• Replace the old kernel in dCore's boot directory.
  • Recommend backing up old kernel.
• Reboot system for the update to take effect.

Rapid dCore development may result in frequent initrd updates to provide bug fixes and add new features, particularly if tracking release candidates. Running the version -c command checks if running the latest release and version -r checks if running the latest release candidate. If a dCore system update is available, permission is requested to wget the latest dCore-*.gz and md5sum files to the boot directory specified in /etc/sysconfig/boot_path. Review the notes contained in /etc/sysconfig/boot_path to properly configure the file. Reboot to apply the update.

Usage options from the 'version –help' command:

version - Confirm dCore version, check for release or release candidate (RC)
          updates, prompted to download an available update to the directory
          specified in /etc/sysconfig/boot_path. Review this file for details.
          The partition will auto-mount if /mnt/* is included in the pathway
          and the entry exists in /etc/fstab. The existing dCore*.gz and
          *.md5.txt files are automatically backed up before the update
          is downloaded. Number of backups kept can also be specified.
          Reboot system to complete the update.
Usage:
version     List running dCore name and version.
version -c  Check if running the latest stable release, if different version
            available prompted to download, wget latest stable release and
            md5.txt file to directory specified in /etc/sysconfig/boot_path.
version -r  Check if running the latest release candidate, if an update is
            available prompted to download, wget latest release candidate and
            md5.txt file to directory specified in /etc/sysconfig/boot_path.
version -l  List running dCore name and version.
version -s  See dCore version only.

Alternatively, initrd updates can be manually downloaded from dCore ports. via web browser or wget. Depending on permissions of the directory, sudo may be needed. Example:

wget http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/release/dCore-trusty/dCore-trusty.gz

To manually update the initrd file:

• Download updated initrd file.
• Replace the old initrd file in dCore's boot directory.
  • Recommend backing up old initrd file.
• Reboot system for the update to take effect.

In regards to updating SCE extensions, review the dCore sce-update Command.

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