Hi all at LQ.

Should I upgrade to the next kernel or jump a few versions?

For example, if I was using kernel 3.16.0-46-generic -- should I update to kernel 3.16.0-47-generic or can I just update to kernel 3.16.0-50-generic? I think the latter is ok but would just like the opinions of others.

Thanks guys.

I'm having a similar problem I think..Kernels can be hit and miss regardless of how recent the release is.

When updating anything, consider:

1.Do you need the update, does it actually fix or improve anything for you?
2.Does other software need it?
3.How important is the system you're updating..and how bad would it be if a update caused problems?

If it's part of a packaged group update, you don't have much of a choice if you have to update things in waves.

That all being said, I'd say you can shoot for the latest, and if it works, great, if not, roll back to your last-known-good one and try the other one that might not be as new, but still newer than what you're running.


Be careful in your bootloader that you can easily boot your last-known-good kernel before you do anything.

1 members found this post helpful.

Generally you look at errata before you change any part. If the changes to the kernel have no effect on your use then ignore it.

1 members found this post helpful.

Hi jefro.

What's 'errata'?

Additional comments and text about the kernel release. Basically updates and corrections that are important to read before assuming the new Kernel will work on your equipment.

1 members found this post helpful.

Cheers jefro, szboardstretcher, & VolumetricSteve.

To be fair, I generally run latest stable offered by distro.

unless there are MANDATORY needs to use a OLD unpatched kernel you are better off using the CURRENT kernel for your OS
for ubuntu that would be
a normal EVERYDAY update will install the current and SECURITY PATCHED KERNEL

for rhel/cent
"yum update"

for suse
"zypper up"

and so on


use the CURRENT ONE!!!!

jefro


I'll vote for that ...

you will likely not know the best answer until you are done, and not know the final answer until it is next time to upgrade

you don't know when you compile or use bins what might ask for a newer version (or demand an older that's a problem too just as much) until your done UNLESS you given a full dependancy list and "can see". but you dont have one - you are going by some distro.

best bet: choose a distro your leaning to be wishing to. use the kernel version it uses. use any versions of software it uses. you'll have allot less depends issues that way. not none: less. keep in mind distros have to solve many issues while they stabilize any given release

1 members found this post helpful.