To keep it simple. Kernel panic errors are displayed by the server when it finds itself in a irrecoverable error. The error is mostly seen in linux machines and if you were to compile a new kernel for the machine with wrong settings it is that quick to view :).
Most of the unix like systems or linux systems have a seperate panic() routine which will be responsible for displaying the error output on a console and once this is done, it will be dumping the memory of the kernel on to the disk for further check or debugging. In panic states, you can either restart the machine manually or schedule a automatic reboot.
To set a automatic reboot during kernel panic sessions, use the following settings:
vi /etc/sysctl.conf
now hit i then copy paste this line
kernel.panic = 10
this should initiate a reboot in 10 seconds for normal servers.
A common cause for the kernel panic are memory dump error. The kernel may try accessing a memory area that is currently not available. Again, as mentioned, it can either be due to the a faulty hardware or error with the latest update of the operating system.
Causes for Kernel Panics
* With increasing set of applications or clients wherein for webservers, the increase of RAM becomes inevitable. This is the first and foremost cause for Kernel Panics.
* As mentioned earlier, recompile your kernel and expect it to happen. While recompiling the kernel it is common that we may try few available extensions or support modules which may drive back to this situation unless there is through fixing of the necessary dependencies.
* Hard disk failure, this is common one to happen, your disk may develop a bad sector or bad block
* Odd but a common problem, trouble with system file permissions can drive us to the kernel panic situation.
* Insufficient RAM or Harddisk is another common trouble to be viewed.
* Improperly installed software or hardware.
* Defective hardware like a trouble with CPU
* And very rare chance of having a hardware mismatch which shouldn't happen for most of the branded versions available.
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