[gentoo-user] Soft scrolling

This kernel patch provides soft scrolling functionality on Linux framebuffer consoles, allowing users to scroll through console output using the Shift+Page Up and Shift+Page Down keys. It also integrates support for the GPM mouse utility within scrolled regions of the console, making it possible to use mouse interactions even when viewing previous console output. n versions.

To apply the patch, users are instructed to navigate to their Linux kernel source directory, apply the provided diff file, configure the kernel with specific options under Device drivers and Graphic Support (notably enabling CONFIG_FRAMEBUFFER_CONSOLE_SOFT_SCROLLBACK and accepting the default enablement of CONFIG_FRAMEBUFFER_CONSOLE_SOFT_SCROLLBACK_GPM), and then build and install the new kernel. The patch allows customization of the scrollback buffer size, with a default of 128 kB but the option to increase it, for instance to 512 kB, as preferred by the patch author. Once the system is rebooted with the patched kernel, users can utilize GPM in scrolled console regions.

The patch is aimed at Linux users who require enhanced navigation and mouse support within framebuffer consoles, such as those who frequently work in text consoles and benefit from reviewing and interacting with past output.

This tool falls within the class of developer tools that extend or enhance Linux kernel console capabilities.