To set up SMP Configure the kernel and answer Y to CONFIG_SMP. If you are using LILO, it is handy to have both SMP and non-SMP kernel images on hand. Edit /etc/lilo.conf to create an entry for another kernel image called "linux-smp" or something. The next time you compile the kernel, when running a SMP kernel, edit linux/Makefile and change "MAKE=make" to "MAKE=make -jN" (where N = number of CPU + 1, or if you have tons of memory/swap you can just use "-j" without a number). Feel free to experiment with this one. Of course you should time how long each build takes :-) Example: make config time -v sh -c 'make dep ; make clean install modules modules_install' If you are using some Compaq MP compliant machines you will need to set the operating system in the BIOS settings to "Unixware" - don't ask me why Compaqs don't work otherwise.