Re: why upgrade kernel?
On Thursday 18 August 2005 11:50 am, dzpost@dedekind.net wrote:
> I have a couple of machines which I'm in the process of upgrading to
> Sarge. I'm wondering about whether to upgrade the kernels. They're
> all running some version of 2.4, which I've built for the particular
> machines. If I don't get new hardware which need newer drivers, and I
> don't care about any of the fancy new features of 2.6 (whatever those
> are), is there any benefit in upgrading the kernel? Will newer
> versions of some packages eventually need a newer kernel?
>
> Thanks in advance for any opinions.
>
> -David
>
>
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David,
Wow, this is a sensitive question and my response is heavily opinionated, as
many answers to this question may be. I think a person in your situation
really needs to figure out their needs from the systems the operate, which
you obviously have. Let me qualify my response first with saying that I am
currently running 2.4.27-2 but will be upgrading/recompiling my kernel today.
I am learning towards staying with the 2.4 if I can get my webcam to work.
They're all running some version of 2.4, which I've built for the particular
> machines. If I don't get new hardware which need newer drivers, and I
> don't care about any of the fancy new features of 2.6 (whatever those
> are), is there any benefit in upgrading the kernel?
Exactly. Since 2.4 and 2.6 kernels are both currently supported, and you
don't need any new fangled features in the 2.6 kernel...you'll probably best
be suited staying with 2.4. Why do I say this?
- Don't fix what isn't broken
- You will need to reconfig your kernel without use of a previous .config
file between 2.4 and 2.6. Not too big a deal, but with the new options you
have to (should) go through each menu and make the right selections.
- Going of the last, you should continue to upgrade within the 2.4 kernel
series, for however long it is supported. Using your existing .config file
will save time and headaches! Upgrading your kernel within the series, of
course, keeps you current on security issues and other system related
'upgrades' (the problem with SCSI-emulation comes to mind).
- As a previous Hardened Debian programmer told me not too long ago, the 2.6
kernel is suffering from expansion issues. I see his point. There are lots
of programmers doing lots of things to the 2.6 kernel right now, inviting
security issues that are inherent in new software.
> Will newer versions of some packages eventually need a newer kernel?
Perhaps (again, mention the SCSI-emulation). I wouldn't worry about it right
now. Since both kernels are supported, I would stay with what you need. 2.6
isn't the devil or anything, and I would upgrade to it in a heartbeat if I
determined that is what I needed. First I need to do some research to see my
hardware dependencies before I can make an informed decision. I respect that
you did the same before asking the question.
Hope this helps.
Respectfully,
Steve Siebert
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