kexec is a technique to reboot a running system into a new kernel. In theory that enables us to run a 2.6 kernel without the dangerous redboot. We would just need to patch the 2.4 kernel to support kexec, create a firmware image with that kernel, install the kexec user space software on the hd and could then boot into a 2.6 kernel via telnet. If it doesn't work, a reflash is not needed, but just pulling the plug makes the box usable again.

I didn't try that, because I don't have that much spare time at the moment. So this is just a tip, for anyone willing to try out 2.6 on the box. If there is someone, that tries this, please post your results here.

Yes, "kexec" only shows my post. Why?

Ah, I see now! When using the search button, it only searches in the current topic! My error, sorry 

About using 2.6 kernel with kexec, it seems that some people used to work on that but lost motivation, because it is more trouble than its worth (even though bricking is not a problem anymore). 2.4 does have almost every feature someone could possibly need on a box like the MGB100/111. On the other hand it seems to be a lot of work to get the given hardware running with a 2.6 kernel.

The conclusion (at least for the moment) is just forget about 2.6. At some later point in time that could change, because of new features in 2.6 someone really needs. But for just solving the "comestic" problem of being able to run a recent "general purpose" distribution, with only the kernel not up to date, its not worth it.

Maybe we should have a sticky topic with that info, because getting 2.6 to the box seems to be a common request around here.

Hi,
getting 2.6 to the box is no real problem. It is even possible to keep the AMIT bios and "rescue loader" to be on the safe side.

It's setting up the new dev. environment and getting a sensible system up and running that frightens people...
I don't know if it's a good idea to use the existing tc for building  2.6 system (allthough possible)....

If all that you want is a booting 2.6 kernel, thats a 1h q'n'd job...

schufti