I have compiled yet another Ubuntu/Debian kernel for 64 bit systems. This time kernel 4.8.0-18-exton, equivalent to Kernel.org’s latest kernel 4.8.0-rc8 released 160926.
What’s new in Linux kernel 4.8?
Install kernel 4.8.0-18-exton in Ubuntu/Debian based distributions
My self-compiled Ubuntu kernels can be used in all types of modern Ubuntu systems, including Mint. They can even be used in Debian Jessie (Debian 8.6) and Debian Stretch (upcoming Debian 9). If you want to use my kernel 4.8.0-18-exton for 64 bit systems, you can DOWNLOAD it from here.
md5sum for ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.8.0-18-exton.zip which is of 68,6 MB.
Installation instructions
Open the zip-file with WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip. Or run this command: unzip ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.8.0-18-exton.zip. Go into the folder ubuntu-kernel-64bit-4.8.0-18-exton and run this command:
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
Then: Run command sudo update-grub (if you use Grub2).
Nvidia
It is possible to install Nvidia’s proprietary drivers if you use “my” kernel 4.8.0-18-exton. Could be useful if you like to play games. The Nvidia drivers in for example Ubuntu’s repositories – “Current” etc. – can’t be used. It is supposed to be “impossible” to install Nvidia’s latest drivers when running kernel 4.7 – 4.8 without “patches” etc. On the other hand it’s a fact that kernel 4.8 has better support for the open-source Nvidia driver Nouveau than any other older kernel. If you want to install Nvidia’s proprietary driver be sure to download version NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-370.28.run. It won’t need any patches.
A small clarification
“My” kernel 4.8.0-18-exton is compiled (almost) the same way as all official Ubuntu kernels. That is, The Ubuntu Way. If not, the kernel would not function in a Ubuntu/Debian system.
Good luck!
Just downloaded it and installed it. Several error messages:
Error! Bad return status for module build on kernel: 4.8.0-18-exton (x86_64)
Consult /var/lib/dkms/ndiswrapper/1.59/build/make.log for more information.
Error! Bad return status for module build on kernel: 4.8.0-18-exton (x86_64)
Consult /var/lib/dkms/virtualbox/5.0.24/build/make.log for more information.
Error! Bad return status for module build on kernel: 4.8.0-18-exton (x86_64)
Consult /var/lib/dkms/virtualbox-guest/5.0.24/build/make.log for more information.
And later on…
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/hainan_k_smc.bin for module radeon
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/oland_k_smc.bin for module radeon
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/verde_k_smc.bin for module radeon
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/pitcairn_k_smc.bin for module radeon
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/tahiti_k_smc.bin for module radeon
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/hawaii_k_smc.bin for module radeon
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/radeon/bonaire_k_smc.bin for module radeon
Warning: No support for locale: en_US.utf8
I don’t think those messages are important, but in which system did you install the kernel? Have you tried to use the kernel? If so did you notice anything strange?
Mint 17.3 Cinnamon, currently running your 4.6.0-exton. If you think those are not important, I’ll try it and report back. Just concerning because 4.6.0-exton didn’t generate any error messages.
Don’t know if it’s because of those errors or not, but when I installed and booted it, the USB ports on my motherboard failed to function with any device. Motherboard is an ASUS A88X-PRO, and everything was perfectly functional in 4.6.0.
Linux Mint 17.3 is based on Ubuntu 14.04. I think the system is a bit too old for kernel 4.8. I’m about to try “my” kernel in Mint 18 (Ubuntu Xenial/16.04) now. I’ll let you know how it went.
Edit 30 min later
No problems at all to install “my” kernel in Linux Mint 18. Everything works afterwards too.
I suggest that you upgrade to Mint 18.
Actually, I messed up when I said that, brain fart when I was tired and shouldn’t have been online. It’s actually running Mint 18 Cinnamon and has been for a while now. “Your” 4.8 disables the mouse when it goes to the desktop no matter what USB port I use, and even if you plug and unplug, on the A88X-PRO. (Works at the sign-on screen and then stops when it reaches the desktop.) However, the 4.8 works perfectly on a Dell Inspiron 1545 (Intel T9900, 4GB RAM) running the same Mint 18.
So for now, I’ll stick to “your” 4.6.0 on the desktop and use the 4.8 on the laptop. I’m just chalking this up to the AMD A88X chipset and related hardware probably not being a high priority for the kernel team.
John C,
Yes, I’ve noticed “mouse problem” myself. Very unfortunate. All I can say is that the problem persists when/if I change from “my” kernel 4.8 to Ubuntu’s original kernel 4.8. That was a relief! (I thought first that I had done something wrong while compiling the kernel).
If you don’t mind me asking, is the problem consistent on 4.8 between Intel and AMD hardware, or were you seeing it on a system similar to my own? It works fine on the C2D based laptop.
Well, on two of my computers I have no mouse problems. On one other (older) computer I have them. Seems to me it’s only related to Ubuntu systems. I will install kernel 4.8 in Arch Linux today on the “problem computer” just to check if I’m right…
EDIT a little later
Yes, it was as I expected. I.e. no mouse problems when kernel 4.8.1 is used in Arch Linux on the same “problem computer”. Watch this screenshot.