Linux 2.4.x

[Matt Zimmerman]

On Fri, Oct 08, 2004 at 10:43:13AM +0200, Stefan Kluth wrote:

> On Thu, 7 Oct 2004, Matt Zimmerman wrote:
> > You can use them if you like, with the same disclaimer of support.
> 
> Yes, of course.  BTW, does this imply "no support at all", e.g. you won't
> help fix a problem with a ubuntu/main package because I'm runnig the wrong
> kernel?  Or just not support this kernel?

We will not provide security updates for that kernel.  If you encounter a
problem while running that kernel, we may ask that you re-test with a
supported kernel to rule out a problem caused by it.

> > - The clear viability and community momentum of Linux 2.6 as the
> >   current-generation desktop and server platform
> >
> > - The relative lack of community support for previous-generation kernels, as
> >   was most painfully felt with Linux 2.2 in Debian woody
> >
> > - The simplicity of development afforded by supporting a single kernel tree
> >   for the entire distribution
> I understand all of this.  However, supporting 2.4 kernels with some
> caveats as regards desktop functionality would get you a foot into the
> more conservative large installations.  My examples are the high energy
> physics labs like CERN, FERMILAB or SLAC; all run afs and have O(10000)
> machines to look after.  Currently CERN and FERMILAB are migrating from RH
> 7.3 to "scientific linux", i.e. effectively making their own distro.  (
> http://linux.web.cern.ch/linux/scientific3/CEL3-vs-SL.shtml )

None of the concerns I outlined above have to do specifically with desktop
functionality; they are all very general kernel issues.

Bear in mind that what we are discussing is what Canonical is providing for
the standard Ubuntu releases.  While we strive to make these broadly useful,
it is unlikely that it can be all things to all people.  For a site whose
needs are not met by the default Ubuntu offering, we would be happy to
discuss a direct support arrangement tailored to the circumstances.

Are you involved in the Scientific Linux project?  I would be interested in
talking with the project organizers about how Ubuntu and SL can collaborate.

-- 
 - mdz