kernel question

[Peter Garrett]

On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:16:56 +0000
jerry <jerryturba at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> As someone who is learning the workings of Linux am I correct in 
> thinking from what you  have said that I should always upgrade to a new 
> kernel that is provided by Ubuntu and that I should not routinely use 
> the old kernels?

it depends. Some kernel updates are for "local exploits" for example - if
you are not running an important network on which there might be users who
are untrustworthy, such an update is not strictly necessary, I guess. For
example, on a home network if you had such users family counselling might
be more appropriate ;-) Upgrading is still not a bad idea though, if there
is no pressing reason against it.

If you subscribe to ubuntu-security-announce at lists.ubuntu.com , you will
get mail explaining the purpose of security updates. You can also consult
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn

There are also changelogs for updates that you can consult, for instance
at http://changelogs.ubuntu.com , or subscribe to
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/feisty-changes.

Dennis Kaarsemaker also has rss feeds at http://media.ubuntu-nl.org/rss/

> Perhaps boot with an old kernel that works only to fix 
> a boot/kernel panic problem.

At least one "known good" kernel is useful to keep around, for sure.

Peter