Techniques for upgrading and customizing the Linux kernel
Conclusion
Installing a new kernel is not like installing a new version of OpenOffice, which will definitely add new features and enhancements to your everyday work. New major releases or experimental kernels often run slower and less smoothly because of side effects that have not been considered by the kernel developers. Unlike application software, a new kernel does not necessarily provide better service or more possibilities. If your current kernel is stable and runs smoothly and you have no sudden system resets, freezes, or "hangs," you should have no reason to believe that a new kernel will be an enormous improvement.
Unless you experience errors that are harmful in your usage scenario, just keep your old kernel and don't worry about being up to date. The primary reasons for upgrading the kernel are to correct a problem you are experiencing or to add new hardware that is not supported by the current kernel.
If you work with a variety of different hardware drivers, or even if you have the need to customize your system for a particular application or use, the techniques described in this article will help you get started with building and upgrading the Linux kernel.
Infos
- Kernel.org: http://www.kernel.org
- SourceForge: http://sourceforge.net/
- MadWifi: http://madwifi-project.org/wiki/About/MadWifi
- GSPCA: http://mxhaard.free.fr/
- Cloop source code: http://debian-knoppix.alioth.debian.org/sources/
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
![Learn More](https://www.linux-magazine.com/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/media/linux-magazine-eng-us/images/misc/learn-more/834592-1-eng-US/Learn-More_medium.png)
News
-
NVIDIA Released Driver for Upcoming NVIDIA 560 GPU for Linux
Not only has NVIDIA released the driver for its upcoming CPU series, it's the first release that defaults to using open-source GPU kernel modules.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 24.07 Released
If you’re into rolling release Linux distributions, OpenMandriva ROME has a new snapshot with a new kernel.
-
Kernel 6.10 Available for General Usage
Linus Torvalds has released the 6.10 kernel and it includes significant performance increases for Intel Core hybrid systems and more.
-
TUXEDO Computers Releases InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 Laptop
Sporting either AMD or Intel CPUs, the TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 is an extremely compact, lightweight, sturdy powerhouse.
-
Google Extends Support for Linux Kernels Used for Android
Because the LTS Linux kernel releases are so important to Android, Google has decided to extend the support period beyond that offered by the kernel development team.
-
Linux Mint 22 Stable Delayed
If you're anxious about getting your hands on the stable release of Linux Mint 22, it looks as if you're going to have to wait a bit longer.
-
Nitrux 3.5.1 Available for Install
The latest version of the immutable, systemd-free distribution includes an updated kernel and NVIDIA driver.
-
Debian 12.6 Released with Plenty of Bug Fixes and Updates
The sixth update to Debian "Bookworm" is all about security mitigations and making adjustments for some "serious problems."
-
Canonical Offers 12-Year LTS for Open Source Docker Images
Canonical is expanding its LTS offering to reach beyond the DEB packages with a new distro-less Docker image.
-
Plasma Desktop 6.1 Released with Several Enhancements
If you're a fan of Plasma Desktop, you should be excited about this new point release.