Background and Overview

Distributions that rely on the Linux 2.4.x and all Linux 2.6.x kernels through version 2.6.10, do not modify the atime of the input device file. This leads to difficulty when Condor is run using one of these kernels. The problem manifests itself in that Condor cannot properly detect console USB keyboard or USB mouse activity.

While Condor version 6.6.8 and above is able to detect keyboard and mouse activity with the above Linux kernel revisions, it is only able to do so if you are using a PS/2-style keyboard or mouse. If you are using a USB keyboard or mouse, however, and you desire Condor to be able to correctly detect console activity, you need to patch the Linux kernel.

Patching a Linux kernel is not for beginners. The following are not comprehensive instructions, but a summary of the kernel patch for the 2.6.10 Linux Kernel.

Installation of the Kernel Patch

The following are instructions for using the kernel patch. The kernel itself is modified, and therefore must be obtained, compiled, and then used.

1. Get and Have Built the Linux Kernel. Kernel source is available at the following web site:
   • http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/

   Directions for building a kernel are available in many places. Here are directions from a few:

   • http://www.digitalhermit.com/linux/Kernel-Build-HOWTO.html
   • http://fossil.wpi.edu/docs/howto_build_kernel.html
   • http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-9-Manual/custom-guide/s1-custom-kernel-modularized.html
   • http://www.linuxmigration.com/quickref/kernel/build.html
2. Verify that the Kernel Boots and Works Properly.
3. Apply the Patch.

   Copy the patch in file input_patch-2.6.10 into the linux-2.6.10 directory. This directory will also contain directories arch, crypto, Documentation, fs, include, inti, ipc, and kernel.

   Run

   patch -p1 < input_patch-2.6.10
   

   This causes 5 patches within 6 files.

4. Rebuild and Install the Patched Kernel.
5. Boot the Newly Patched, Built, and Installed Kernel.
6. Verify That the Kernel Still Works As Expected.
7. Verify Condor's Behavior. Run a Condor job on a machine with policy that utilizes keyboard and/or mouse activity to stop or suspend the execution of the job.