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Table of Contents
dCore Updates (kernel and initrd)
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).
dCore Kernel Updates
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 the dCore port 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 at http://tinycorelinux.net/dCore/x86/import/src/.
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.
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
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 to use the new kernel.
Ensure the kernel and initrd files utilized are both from the same dCore port. Users upgrading to a newer dCore port will need to ensure the boot loader configuration file is appropriately updated. Updating to a new dCore port is essentially a new install, a fresh /tce directory should be utilized and any desired SCEs will need to be re-imported.
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 list available kernel modules and the sce-import command to install. Imported kernel modules should be available during system boot. Example:
sce-import -b graphics-<your_kernel_version>-tinycore
dCore Initrd Updates
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.
