Linux - KernelThis forum is for all discussion relating to the Linux kernel.
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Why does kernel 2.4 have an independent development (with new versions) and people keep compiling it instead of using kernel 2.6 versions?
Could somebody explain why these two parallel lines of development? What are the advantages of using a 2.4 kernel. Is it faster? Or more stable?
The differences for your average user are nil in most cases. The 2.6 kernel will include drivers for modern equipment. That's the largest difference I'm aware of.
As to why they develop two kernels at the same time is beyond me. Seems like a waste of good man power personally. I'd rather see all the focus go on the new one. Let the ones on 2.6 now keep doing what they're doing, and make everyone on 2.4 now move to correcting bugs, mistakes, and inefficient code in 2.6.
I'm sure someone with more know on this subject can give you a better answer though.
The 2.4 kernel is not really being actively developed. Its in maintenance mode and may at times get backports from the 2.6 kernel. Most of the kernel developers are working on the 2.6 kernel.
You have to remember that Linux does not only run on modern PC, or only on PC for that matter.
For example, one of Linux/Unix' strength is the ease with which you can setup "thin clients", or if you prefer: "dumb terminals". I use one such at home: see "nomade" in the signature. This laptop wouldn't cope with a modern GUI and several modern applications at once. My main PC, however, does (see "sedentaire" in signature). Hence I use "nomade" at 99% connected to "sedentaire" as a X terminal: I login on my sedentaire GUI account from the laptop, which is thus very valueable.
And guess what? This laptop is unable to run any 2.6-based distro!
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