The Linux Kernel HOWTO: Additional packagesNext Previous Contents 


8. Additional packages
Your linux kernel has many features which are not explained in the kernel source 
itself; these features are typically utilized through external packages. Some of 
the most common are listed here. 
8.1 kbd 
The linux console probably has more features than it deserves. Among these are 
the ability to switch fonts, remap your keyboard, switch video modes (in newer 
kernels), etc. The kbd package has programs which allow the user to do all of 
this, plus many fonts and keyboard maps for almost any keyboard, and is 
available from the same sites that carry the kernel source. 
8.2 util-linux 
Rik Faith (faith@cs.unc.edu) put together a large collection of linux utilities 
which are, by odd coincidence, called util-linux. These are now maintained by 
Andries Brouwer (util-linux@math.uio.no). Available via anonymous ftp from 
sunsite.unc.edu in /pub/Linux/system/misc, it contains programs such as setterm, 
rdev, and ctrlaltdel, which are relevant to the kernel. As Rik says, do not 
install without thinking; you do not need to install everything in the package, 
and it could very well cause serious problems if you do. 
8.3 hdparm 
As with many packages, this was once a kernel patch and support programs. The 
patches made it into the official kernel, and the programs to optimize and play 
with your hard disk are distributed separately. 
8.4 gpm 
gpm stands for general purpose mouse. This program allows you to cut and paste 
text between virtual consoles and do other things with a large variety of mouse 
types. 


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