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Old 03-22-2013, 02:52 PM   #1
dazdaz
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Linux Kernel releases


What is the difference between the latest Linux kernel releases ?

Right now there is 3.8.4, 3.4.37, 3.2.41, and 3.0.70

In other words, 3.8.x, 3.4.x, and 3.0.x. I understand that all of these are Production kernels, so why are there 3 Production release kernels.

Last edited by dazdaz; 03-22-2013 at 02:54 PM.
 
Old 03-22-2013, 03:06 PM   #2
snowday
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The Linux kernel is "open source" so you can view the source code and see for yourself the exact difference between each kernel.

If you are looking for a more general/layman's description of the changes, go to https://www.kernel.org/ and click the "changelog" link next to each kernel version.

You will also notice the word "longterm" next to several of the kernels; this helps explain why there are several supported kernels at any given time: some people want a "longterm" kernel they can use for years without upgrading. For example if you work in a laboratory running a 5 year experiment to analyze subatomic particles, do you really want to upgrade your kernel halfway through, thereby introducing a new variable into your experiment?
 
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Old 03-22-2013, 04:09 PM   #3
dazdaz
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I presume that a new feature or patch added to 3.8.x would be back-ported to run on 3.0.x and 3.2.x and 3.4.x as they are long-term kernels, is that correct ?

Is it me, or does all of the different releases make life confusing.
 
Old 03-22-2013, 04:30 PM   #4
snowday
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dazdaz View Post
I presume that a new feature or patch added to 3.8.x would be back-ported to run on 3.0.x and 3.2.x and 3.4.x as they are long-term kernels, is that correct ?
What do the Changelogs say?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dazdaz View Post
Is it me, or does all of the different releases make life confusing.
If you are using a distribution or "distro" (such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Slackware, etc.) then all of these decisions have been made by you by the developers, and you shouldn't have to give it a second thought.

If you are using something like Linux From Scratch that requires you to compile your own kernel, then presumably you are in search of a learning experience and therefore would embrace the complexity?
 
  


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