OK I would like to build a custom kernel... I think

Firstly I am a complete novice with Linux so this is a bit tough for me and I will probably use the wrong syntax to describe what it is I am trying to do.

I would like to install wdidle3 on my unRAID tower.  I found this page that has all the info for compiling and installing:

http://idle3-tools.sourceforge.net/

I started to follow the instructions, but ran into my first obstacle when I tried to execute:

root@Tower:make
-bash: make: command not found

So I did some searching and found this page:

http://www.lime-technology.com/wiki/index.php/Building_a_custom_kernel

The page describes how to build a custom kernel and how to install:

• bc
  binutils
  gcc
  glibc
  infozip
  kernel-headers
  make
  ncurses
  perl
   
  

I followed along and used:

root@Tower:/boot/packages# uname -a
Linux Tower 4.4.30-unRAID...

So I entered:

root@Tower:/boot/packages# wget https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/linux-4.4.3.tar.gz
root@Tower:/boot/packages# tar -C /usr/src/ -zxvf /boot/packages/linux-4.4.3.tar.gz
root@Tower:/boot/packages# ln -sf /usr/src/linux-4.4.3 /usr/src/linux

That all seemed to work, but the next part, "Add unRAID mods to kernel source," is dated and for 32-bit systems as can be seen in the commands.

So my question is, what do I do next?  Is anyone out there willing to help a total noob?

Thanks and kind regards,

craigr

Can anyone point me towards a starting point?

Thanks

craigr

Several years ago when I first built my unRaid server, I had several WD Green drives that needed the idle timer adjusted.  I was able to just use a precompiled file.  I certainly didn't have to compile it myself.  Not in front of my server right now so I can't see if the file is still on my flash drive, but I did find this with a quick search of  the forums:

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=40062.msg453869#msg453869

That custom kernel wiki page is very old, and for 32 bit systems (you need 64 bit only).  I really don't recommend trying to use it!  Especially if you are new to Linux!  Far better to find something precompiled, or ask someone that has done it, such as the 'unRAID DVB Edition'.

@craigr did you ever get the new kernel compiled if so could you share the steps ?