Kernel modules are pieces of code that can be loaded into the kernel at runtime, extending its functionality. They are typically used to add support for new hardware devices, file systems, and other features. Kernel modules can be found in a number of different locations, depending on the operating system and the type of kernel module.
1. /lib/modules:
This is the most common location for kernel modules. On most Linux distributions, kernel modules are stored in the /lib/modules directory. The directory is organized by kernel version, with each subdirectory named after the corresponding kernel version. For example, the subdirectory /lib/modules/4.15.0-38-generic would contain the kernel modules for the Linux kernel version 4.15.0-38-generic.
2. /usr/lib/modules:
Some kernel modules are installed in the /usr/lib/modules directory. This directory is typically used for kernel modules that are not part of the standard Linux distribution. For example, kernel modules for proprietary hardware devices are often installed in the /usr/lib/modules directory.
3. /boot/modules:
On some systems, kernel modules may be stored in the /boot/modules directory. This directory is typically used for kernel modules that are needed early in the boot process. For example, kernel modules for the root file system are often stored in the /boot/modules directory.
4. /System/Library/Extensions (macOS):
On macOS, kernel modules are located in the /System/Library/Extensions directory. This directory contains kernel extensions, which are similar to kernel modules in Linux. Kernel extensions can be used to add support for new hardware devices, file systems, and other features.
5. Other Locations:
In some cases, kernel modules may be installed in other locations. For example, kernel modules for a specific application may be installed in the application's installation directory. Additionally, kernel modules may be installed in a custom location by the system administrator.
How to Find Kernel Modules:
To find kernel modules on your system, you can use the find command. For example, the following command will find all kernel modules in the /lib/modules directory:
find /lib/modules/ -name \*.ko
You can also use the modinfo command to get information about a specific kernel module. For example, the following command will print information about the usb_storage kernel module:
modinfo usb_storage
Conclusion:
Kernel modules are located in a number of different locations, depending on the operating system and the type of kernel module. The most common location for kernel modules is the /lib/modules directory. Kernel modules can also be found in the /usr/lib/modules, /boot/modules, and other locations. To find kernel modules on your system, you can use the find command.
FAQs:
- What are kernel modules?
Kernel modules are pieces of code that can be loaded into the kernel at runtime, extending its functionality.
- Where are kernel modules located?
Kernel modules can be found in a number of different locations, depending on the operating system and the type of kernel module. The most common location for kernel modules is the /lib/modules directory.
- How can I find kernel modules on my system?
To find kernel modules on your system, you can use the find command. For example, the following command will find all kernel modules in the /lib/modules directory:
find /lib/modules/ -name \*.ko
- How can I get information about a specific kernel module?
To get information about a specific kernel module, you can use the modinfo command. For example, the following command will print information about the usb_storage kernel module:
modinfo usb_storage
- How can I install a kernel module?
To install a kernel module, you can use the insmod command. For example, the following command will install the usb_storage kernel module:
insmod usb_storage.ko