#######################################################################
# Document: /boot/README-kernels.txt
# Purpose:  Explain the various files related to the Kernel
# Author:   Stuart Winter <mozes@slackware.com>
# Date:     04-Jan-2025
# Version:  1.04
#######################################################################
# Changelog:
# v1.04, Removed 32bit ARM information.
# v1.03, 23-May-2021
# Updated for AArch64.
# v1.02, 08-Aug-2019
#######################################################################
# This file belongs to the 'a/aaa_base' package.
#######################################################################

With a full installation of Slackware 15.1, Slackware AArch64 contains
a single Kernel that caters for all supported Hardware Models.

The Slackware AArch64 Kernel package file name is as follows:
   kernel_armv8-<Linux version>-aarch64-<build number>

Within the /boot directory, you will see a number of symbolic links and
their corresponding versioned file.  Here is a short run down:-

   Image-armv8

     The standard uncompressed version of the Linux Kernel.
     Note: This isn't compressed because of some limitations of the
     boot loaders on the AArch64 platforms, which could not load compressed
     Kernels.

   initrd-armv8

     The gzip compressed Initial RAM disk that contain the drivers
     (Kernel modules) required to boot the system (Hardware Model).
     
   dtb/*

     These are the Device Tree Blob files that are used to describe
     the ARM Hardware Model that you are booting.  

     All supported Hardware Models make use of the DTB.


Managing the initrd:
     There is a tool called 'os-initrd-mgr' that should be used to
     manage the contents of the initrd.
     Its man page is extensive and covers all expected usage.

Building your own Kernel:
     If you'd like to build or customise your own Kernel, refer to
     this guide:
     https://docs.slackware.com/slackwarearm:cstmz_kernel

If you have any questions or need help, please register and post
your question on the official Slackware ARM forum:
  http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-arm-108/

-- 
Stuart Winter
<mozes@slackware.com>
