What is a .KO file?
A .KO file is a special type of computer file that is used by the Linux operating system, which is a free and open-source operating system used by millions of people and devices around the world. The "KO" stands for "Kernel Module." The Linux kernel is like the core or brain of the operating system that manages everything. A Kernel Module file, or .KO file, contains code that adds new features or functions to the Linux kernel. This could be anything from support for a new type of hardware, like a printer or a new video card, to new system features.
One of the cool things about these .KO files is that they can be added to the Linux system without needing to restart the computer. This is really handy because it means you can add new features or support for new devices without interrupting your work. However, some .KO files might need other .KO files to be loaded first because they depend on them to work properly.
To use these .KO files, there are specific programs in Linux that handle them. The program called "insmod" is used to load these module files into the Linux kernel. If you're curious about what modules are currently loaded, there's another program called "lsmod" that shows you a list. You can also find information about loaded modules in a special folder named "/proc/modules." Starting from version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, these .KO files have been used instead of the older .O files. They contain extra information that helps the Linux kernel to load the modules more efficiently. There's also a tool called "modpost" that can convert the older .O files into the newer .KO format.
For those using the FreeBSD operating system, which is another type of free and open-source operating system, the "kldload" program can be used to load these .KO files. This shows that the concept of kernel modules is not exclusive to Linux and can be found in other systems as well.
In summary, .KO files are important for adding new capabilities to the Linux operating system without needing to restart your computer. They are managed through specific programs that load, list, and convert these files as needed.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .KO file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.