[ SOLVED ] New Kernel updates

[JTemple]

Is it important to apply kernel updates? If everything is working well, it seems, to me, that if it ain't broke, why fix it? It does seem the most likely problems in updates are the new kernels.

[motoryzen]

Is it important to apply kernel updates? If everything is working well, it seems, to me, that if it ain't broke, why fix it? It does seem the most likely problems in updates are the new kernels.

The only situations where it makes sense to upgrade the kernel version involves one or more of the following possible things:

1. The specific kernel version you're considering upgrading to will provide proper or improved cpu or other component performance.

2. It can finally allow a component/device to work properly ( kernel 5.8 is a good example of a major kernel update that has fixed far more problems that the very rare not even hand fulls of users claimed it created and often that's on much older hardware..meaning 12+ years old easily)

3. The Updated Kernel allows some added/new functionality that you didn't have before.

4. There is a legit security concern with whatever the current kernel you have, and it's well mentioned/documented across many linux forum sites..that the upgraded/updated Kernel version has a solid patch for...and there is no talk of your current kernel getting the security patch..( Honestly don't know how applicable this is. I'm no Linux expert)

Otherwise if none of these things apply, don't even worry about upgrading to another kernel. " if it isn't broken..don't fix it" is a reasonable mindset that can last a long time.

When in doubt, do a time shift and a manual back up....then ..you can feel more comfortable trying a kernel update.

[Pjotr]

Is it important to apply kernel updates? If everything is working well, it seems, to me, that if it ain't broke, why fix it? It does seem the most likely problems in updates are the new kernels.

Yes and no.

Generally, you should install kernel updates for the sake of security (they almost always contain security fixes). Booting from a previous kernel in case of a rotten apple, is easy: you can find those previous kernels tucked away under the header Advanced in the Grub bootloader menu.

However, the practical security risks of running an outdated and therefore insecure kernel are usually low. The high-risk stuff is elsewhere in your system: think of things like your web browsers etc.

So it's certainly not wildly irresponsible or highly dangerous to continue to use an outdated kernel. There are circumstances under which it can be a reasonable policy to do so.

[JTemple]

Thank You both, Motoryzen & Pjotr
BTW: Do the latest downloads for LM always contain the latest kernels? Just curious.

[dorsetUK]

Thank You both, Motoryzen & Pjotr
BTW: Do the latest downloads for LM always contain the latest kernels? Just curious.

Hi JTemple

For me, the great thing about Mint is that it sticks to the Long Term Support [LTS] kernel. ... Stable.

If you're running 'modern stuff,' see the 'Edge' version, and if you want to experiment then install whichever kernel you want. In the end, I'm still running the 4.15 kernel on one elderly computer, which is still supported because it's a LTS.

[JTemple]

Thank You both, Motoryzen & Pjotr
BTW: Do the latest downloads for LM always contain the latest kernels? Just curious.

Hi JTemple

For me, the great thing about Mint is that it sticks to the Long Term Support [LTS] kernel. ... Stable.

If you're running 'modern stuff,' see the 'Edge' version, and if you want to experiment then install whichever kernel you want. In the end, I'm still running the 4.15 kernel on one elderly computer, which is still supported because it's a LTS.

I'm pretty happy with my system, as is! It is stable, trouble free and looks pretty enough for me. I'll stick with my current kernel.

[dorsetUK]

I'm pretty happy with my system, as is! It is stable, trouble free and looks pretty enough for me. I'll stick with my current kernel.

That's great, but being pedantic - say that you're running the 5.4 kernel, then any updates for that kernel should be applied. I seem to be running '5.4.0.73' and if/when updates come through, I'll apply them - bearing in mind that I used Timeshift recently.