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Kernel differences...

Hi,

As we all know:study: , linux have many kernel version ranging from 2.0 to 2.6. Actually, in what way those kernel have any differences? :confused: Security? Hardware support? Is every distros that are available today use kernel 2.6? If I want to compile a new kernel, which version should I use? And what will happen if I use an old kernel?:confused:

Thank you..:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by westman

As we all know:study: , linux have many kernel version ranging from 2.0 to 2.6. Actually, in what way those kernel have any differences? :confused: Security? Hardware support?

Hardware support, improve stuff, new features etc
Read the kernel changelogs

Quote:

Originally Posted by westman

Is every distros that are available today use kernel 2.6?

Slackware still uses the 2.4 by default :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by westman

If I want to compile a new kernel, which version should I use?

Most people use the latest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by westman

And what will happen if I use an old kernel?

If you use a kernel from a older kernel series than your distro supports 2.4 or 2.2 you will have problems.

The latest kernels have the latest hardware support and security updates. the current latest kernels are

2.6.15.3
2.4.32

Most distros use either the 2.4 or 2.6 kernels, but you can still get the 'latest' most secure 2.2 and 2.0 kernel for certain older or specialized boxes.

You would use the latest 2.6 or 2.4 kernel depending on your OS. Most are now 2.6 tho some stil use 2.4 for extra stability. You may need to use a slightly older kernel to support certain software. like a 2.6.14 kernel if you need to run win4lin...