Learning Linux as I go along, here's a quick ques I tried to google and came up empty. So I'm bringing it here.

Up2date in RH9 prompts me about updating my kernel to 2.4.20-20.9. My current kernel is 2.4.20-8. I'm wondering, is it necessary?

If updating will improve the performance of RH9 and some/all of the programs under RH9, then I'll do it. But if it's mostly cosmetic, don't see the point.

Thanks.

As far as I'm concerned, there are only two valid reasons for changing your kernel:
1) Something doesn't work and it is supported in a new kernel
2) You want to

Just upgrading a pre-compiled kernel probably isn't going to get you much, unless you are having a problem with your current kernel. There is a lot to be said for "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

However, if you ARE looking for a performance boost, then you don't want to just download a pre-compiled kernel from RH. You want to compile your own. That way, YOU get to tune the kernel to your particular hardware configuration as opposed to the "one size kinda fits all" approach used in pre-compiled kernels.

Hi

Redhat Updates usually provide the kernel inorder to fix bugs. Read redhat.com/errata about the particular kernel. if its not needed then ignore it. Kernel changes are almost never " cosmetic"

regards
rahul sundaram