Linux Loadable Kernel Modules (LKM)…
Linux Loadable Kernel Modules (LKM) allows you to add modules to the Linux kernel while it is running. These modules allow for the enhancement or the addition of “features” without having to recompile the kernel or booting a new kernel.
The module files are stored under:
# cd /lib/modules/$(uname -r)
and have the .ko extension.
LKM’s can be managed with the following commands: (source: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Module-HOWTO/x146.html)
- insmod
-
Insert an LKM into the kernel.
- rmmod
-
Remove an LKM from the kernel.
- depmod
-
Determine interdependencies between LKMs.
- kerneld
-
Kerneld daemon program
- ksyms
-
Display symbols that are exported by the kernel for use by new LKMs.
- lsmod
-
List currently loaded LKMs.
- modinfo
-
Display contents of .modinfo section in an LKM object file.
- modprobe
-
Insert or remove an LKM or set of LKMs intelligently. For example, if you must load A before loading B, Modprobe will automatically load A when you tell it to load B.
To use these commands, you need the module-init-tools rpm package.
References:
