insmod or depmod

[Hanry Zhou]

If I want to install a loadable module which command I should use, why, and what the differeces are?

Thanks,

[Stuart Browne]

depmod is most definatly not the command, as it is for updating the module dependancies.

insmod or modprobe are your two choices.

modprobe is the better, as it uses the dependancy trees (generated by depmod), as well as the /etc/modules.conf file to map names, and options, as well as pre/post install commands.

insmod just insert's it, there and then, regardless of dependancies.

[Ragu_1]

The kernel Linux has got automatic module loading features. Kernel v2.6 has even got automatic module unload. You can alias your module inside /etc/modutils/alias (Debian). Regenerate /etc/moduls.conf and you are set. When your app, say like `cam' is executed, all the related sound card modules get loaded. Demand loading, shall we say ?

[Hanry Zhou]

Stuard,

Okay, I know what you are saying. But what if I only want to load ONE module, not multiple ones?

[Stuart Browne]

You still want modprobe.