 |
|
Kernel modules are pieces of the kernel code which are not included directly in the kernel. They are compiled seperately, and they can be inserted and removed from the running kernel at almost any time. So, they extend the capabilities of the kernel, while keeping the core components small and compact. Many popular devices, like the PCMCIA drivers and the ftape drivers are built as loadable modules. Rarely used options are often compiled as loadable modules, conserving memory while still allowing those options to be run. Loadable modules also allow a generic kernel to be built, that can run across a wide array of hardware configurations. Red Hat makes extensive use of loadable modules in their distributions.