Why is the kernel "tainted" and how are the taint values deciphered?

Solution Verified - Updated -

Issue

  • Why is the kernel showing as "tainted"?
  • How can I decipher the tainted values?
  • What do the taint values mean

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4

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