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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?
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.
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
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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