[NBLUG/talk] Debian loadable kernel modules

[Rob Orsini]

Hi,

I'm confused about how Debian knows what kernel modules to load on 
startup.  When I look at /etc/modules I see only a fraction of what's 
listed using lsmod.  The reason I got thinking about this is because I got 
into some trouble over the weekend after a abrupt shutdown of my laptop, 
and thereafter my nic modules were not loading (???).  Anyway, I looked at 
Ron's configuration (he's got the same box with an identical install) and 
managed to insmod the two modules that I knew I needed but was left 
confused about the whole business of kernel modules.  I'm guessing that 
some of the other modules listed from lsmod are based on dependencies from 
modules in /etc/modules but I don't think that accounts for 
everything.  Can someone clear the dust for me or point me to the 
appropriate man page/HOWTO?

Thanks,
Rob