This is a description of the salient features of the setup used to develop the procedures described below. All the procedures have been tried and tested, also for Linux-2.6. The screen-like displays are precise copies of what appeared on my screen.
It is uncertain if USB-support is sufficient in kernels earlier than 2.4.xx. The following support, relevant to this document, was compiled into the kernel. A modular approach may also be followed.
In the lists above the entities in uppercase refer to the variable names to be found in the .:: telegra.ph ::. .config file in the upper level directory of the kernel source (/usr/src/linux/). The entities xxx.o refer to the modules created when a modular approach is followed. When there is no reference to a module, the option can only be hard-compiled into the kernel. .:: it.pinterest.com ::.
Different kernel versions may have different indications of options when, for example, make menuconfig or make xconfig are run. Variables such as CONFIG_USB, which can be gleaned from the various help options, may be a more reliable indication.
Very recent Linux distributions such as RedHat and SuSE probably have the appropriate kernel options compiled in. .:: telegra.ph ::.
Under USB-support, options for a number of digital cameras are available. .:: v.gd ::.
Please consult the relevant texts as set out in Section 4 if you consider (re)compiling your kernel.