Canonical's Shifts to Up-to-Date Linux Kernels in Ubuntu

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Canonical, the company behind the popular Linux distribution Ubuntu, has announced a significant change in its approach to integrating Linux kernels into its operating system. Moving forward with the forthcoming Ubuntu 24.10, Oracular Oriole release, Canonical will be using more up-to-date Linux kernels.

Traditionally, Ubuntu has opted for stability by including the most recent stable Linux kernel available at the time of the release freeze. This approach, while ensuring reliability, often meant that Ubuntu releases did not feature the very latest kernel versions, sometimes missing out on new features and hardware support that newer kernels provide. Other popular distros, such as Fedora, opted for cutting-edge kernels. 

Canonical's new strategy involves shipping the latest upstream Linux kernel available at the time of the Ubuntu release freeze date, even if the kernel is still in a Release Candidate (RC) status. 

This shift is expected to make dissatisfied users who want the latest features and hardware compatibility happier. By adopting newer kernels, Ubuntu aims to better support bleeding-edge hardware and align more closely with the rapid development pace of the Linux kernel itself.

However, this approach also introduces potential challenges. Using a kernel in RC status could pose stability risks if unforeseen issues arise before the kernel reaches a stable release. Canonical has acknowledged this risk and plans to manage any such occurrences promptly

For users of Ubuntu's interim releases, Canonical will provide a "bridge kernel" if the latest kernel turns out to have issues. This will ensure stability while still allowing access to new features. 

Long-term support (LTS) release users won't need a bridge kernel, as updates are disabled until stabilization is complete. Additionally, users of Ubuntu Pro's Livepatch service will continue to receive seamless updates without disruption. This change is coming after Canonical announced that it would support its Linux distros for 12 years. 

As Ubuntu continues to evolve, this new approach promises to enhance the user experience by delivering the kernel's latest capabilities alongside stability. I think this is a smart move that both Ubuntu fans and administrators will appreciate. 

Other noteworthy Linux and open-source stories:

• AlmaLinux Makes In-Place Upgrades Easier for CentOS Users

• Meet OpenShift Lightspeed, Red Hat's AI tool for Kubernetes admins

• Could eBPF Save Us From CrowdStrike-Style Disasters?

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