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Optimizations for Source-Based Distributions?
Kenny Mann asks: "I currently run a Linux distribution called Lunar Linux and it is a source based distribution branched from the original Sorcerer GNU Linux. I've done a bit of research on compiler optimizations and such and was wondering what kind of performance is there really to be had for setting these options? I know that the more options the greater chance of unexpected failures, so my next question is what about optimizing your kernel?" Optimization is tricky, and I think the answer to this question is more complex than "yes, optimize" or "no, don't optimize". Rather there might be classes of applications that are safe to optimize and classes of applications that are not. How do those performance hounds out there feel about optimizing the kernel, however?
Could someone explain the point of source distros to me? It's about optimization, which equals saving time, right? How much time has this person spent downloaded megabytes of source code and poring over the docs trying to get the compiler options just so? And all to save a measily .001 microsecond per day?