[Dev] do we need the [kernels], [cross], and [unmaintained] repos anymore?

Denis 'GNUtoo' Carikli GNUtoo at cyberdimension.org
Sun May 24 21:30:36 GMT 2020


On Sat, 23 May 2020 07:37:24 -0400
bill-auger <bill-auger at peers.community> wrote:

> i was just updating pbot's factoid about the available kernels -
> im not sure why any of these repo was ever needed really; but
> now there are only two packages in [i686/kernels] - both have
> not been updated since january - there is nothing for the other
> arches; and [cross] is empty for all arches
> 
> * i686/kernels/linux-libre-aarch64 5.4.8
> * i686/kernels/linux-libre-x86_64 5.4.8
> 
> i also noticed 'linux-libre-64' in [i686/libre] - that is more
> recent than the other new (undocumented) ones - is there any
> difference between 'linux-libre-64' and 'linux-libre-x86_64'? -
> and why are these only in the i686 repos?
As I have a hard time already keeping both linux-libre-aarch64 and
linux-libre-x86_64 up to date, and that they are similar enough, I'm
merging them both in linux-libre-64.

The idea for all the kernel above is to be able to install a 64bit
kernel on a 32bit rootfs.

Rationale:
- For armv7h, having a 64bit kernel enables to support many more
  computers with a 64bit CPU, if they can also run 32bit code.
  With the stock config.armv7h, for such computers, you end up with many
  missing drivers, the device tree being in the wrong place, etc.
- For i686, if you already use a 32bit rootfs, but that the CPU you
  have is capable of running 64bit code, installing a 64bit kernel
  enable you to use 64bit chroot, improve security etc. Personally my
  main computer is using such setup. This has many advantages for me:
  - It enables me to use Parabola i686 daily, which makes me find
    and fix several issues affecting i686 that don't affect x86_64.
    If I had to use a 32bit kernel, I wouldn't have the ability to
    create 64bit chroots, which I really need.
  - It's not easy to simply convert an existing installation from
    32bit to 64bit. And it carries many risk as it's completely
    unsupported. Besides I also have many software installed in
    /usr/local that is not yet packaged in Parabola.
  - As I've several kernels installed, I can simply move my SSD to any
    32bit computers I want to at any time. For instance I could easily
    switch to a Thinkpad X60 Tablet if I need to use a touchscreen and
    switch back to my main laptop when done.

Denis.
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