[NTLUG:Discuss] To update gcc or not?

[Pat Regan]

John Thomas wrote:
> Colleagues,
> 
> My system is RedHat Enterprise Workstation, v. 4.  I recently installed 
> a kernel update from 2.6.9-22.0.1.EL to 2.6.9-22.0.2.EL.
> 
> I'm running VMware, and it requires one to re-compile certain modules 
> whenever the kernel is changed.  This time, though, VMware reports that 
> the new kernel was compiled under gcc-3.4.5, while my compiler is 
> gcc-3.4.4.  So, VM won't re-compile its modules under the new kernel.
> 
> I haven't received an update from RedHat for gcc-3.4.5.  Should I just 
> go ahead and get it and install it?  Will new libraries overwrite 
> existing libraries and cause a cascade of problems?
> 
> I will appreciate any tips.

Is it normal for Redhat to release a kernel compiled with a version of
gcc besides the one currently shipping with the OS?  That seems very odd
to me.

Pat