Calling for Smaller Kernel Sources?

FrozedSolid asks: "I can understand that the kernel contains many drivers and support for a lot of platforms, but the fact that the full kernel download can amount to 32mb doesn't make it any easier to download with a 56k modem. Kernel patches are nice, but obviously only apply when you have access to an entire kernel tree beforehand. Is there a way you can download a leaner linux kernel source? Is there a place that carries sources for x86 only or possibly sources without some of the less popular drivers?"

Comments

Part already answered

[gmhowell]

Part of this has already been answered. If you just pick x86 (or PPC or Alpha etc.) the size does not change that much. The vast majority of the kernel is not architecture specific. That's a good thing!

I don't know of any sites, but let me say a few things. First, your distro probably has a binary package with almost everything either compiled in or a module. Barring that, when I used to be stuck on dialup, I'd get the most recent kernel and then download the patch each time. It was a pain in the butt, but not as bad as downloading the full sources each time.

RSYNC!!!

[Jeremiah Cornelius]

You need rsync.

It was devised to combat just the problem you cite.

rsync://rsync.kernel.org/pub/[wherever you want to go]

Thank you, TRIDGE!