diff --git a/configure.in b/configure.in
index 3aa6909..9761df7 100644
--- a/configure.in
+++ b/configure.in
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@ AM_CONFIG_HEADER([config.h])
 
 AC_CANONICAL_SYSTEM
 
+dnl kernel style compile messages
+m4_ifdef([AM_SILENT_RULES], [AM_SILENT_RULES([yes])])
+
 # Checks for programs.
 AC_PROG_CC
 AC_PROG_INSTALL