The kernel developers also “EOL’d” an old stable kernel. How can Linux users stay up to date?
Linux kernel developers have released new versions of the “stable” and “long-lived” kernels. These kernels contain a number of bugfixes.
What’s New in Linux Kernels?
The new Linux kernels are the “stable” kernel version 6.1.5 and the “long term” kernel version 5.15.87. As the name suggests, stable is designed as a core for daily use, while the “long term” variant is designed for applications that require a lot of uptime, such as in servers.
These kernels tend to rely less on flashy new features and more on fixing hardware support and security bugs. Kernel 6.1.5 fixes an issue with the kernel hanging when a system wakes up with certain Wi-Fi adapters, according to the kernel. change log.
Farewell to an “EOL’d” Linux Kernel
Another stable kernel, the long-term 6.0.19, has already reached “EOL” or end-of-life status with its release, which means it won’t receive any more updates after that. Windows 7 and 8.1 users face a similar situation.
Linux users will want to upgrade to newer versions in the future, since kernels are the heart of the operating system and are intimately tied to the underlying hardware. Security updates also go through the kernel. Very few ordinary users install the kernel directly, but they will need to periodically run their package manager to ensure that the kernel is up to date.
Linux kernel releases show real-time operating system development
While these kernel releases don’t appear to be innovative, they do show the rapid pace of development and unusually public vision of such important software.
While the changelogs on the website are written in technical language, the developers are refreshingly candid about the core in their updates. One developer, Jani Nikula, wrote a terse note in the 6.1.5 changelog about fixing “the sloppiest commit in recent memory.”
Linux kernel development progresses
With the new stable releases, the Linux kernel continues at the breakneck pace the project has become famous for. Those who are eager to try new kernels and don’t want to wait for their distributions to package them can download and build them directly.
