Five reasons why you should update your Linux kernel

The Linux kernel is the most important part of the distribution, it controls everything from resource allocation to RGB keyboard drivers.

The Linux kernel continues to receive regular updates that include bug fixes, enhancements to advanced features, and many other enhancements. While no one is forcing you to update to the latest Linux kernel, here are five good reasons why you should.

People often say that Linux is not actually a complete operating system. This is because Linux refers to the kernel of the operating system and does not include other necessary software and tools. Many distributions simply consist of a set of software and package managers that allow you to interact with the underlying kernel.

The working principle of the Linux kernel can be summarized as managing system resources, communicating with peripheral devices, and handling networks and file systems.

Your distribution is useless without the kernel, but neither is the kernel without the tools packaged in the distribution.

1. The kernel of your distribution may be out of date before installation.

All Linux distributions come with a version of the Linux kernel, and many Popular distributions have their own dedicated kernels, based on the mainline Linux kernel. The operating system distribution ships with a kernel that has been extensively tested to ensure there are no compatibility issues, and is therefore stable and functioning properly.

However, stability comes at the expense of newer features. Since stable release kernels are unlikely to keep up with updates to the mainline kernel, you may miss out on the latest features.

2. New kernels support newer hardware

Hardware manufacturers continue to make progress, pushing the limits of what personal computers can achieve. A new generation of graphics cards is designed to render games with dazzling levels of realism, and new types of memory promise higher clock speeds and lower latency.

In order for a Linux distribution to interact effectively with new hardware, it requires corresponding drivers, which may not be included in older versions of the kernel. While you can apply patches to add new features and hardware support, it's usually worth updating the kernel entirely to ensure it supports all your hardware with the latest patches.

3. Upgrade the Linux kernel to prevent vulnerabilities

No software is perfect, and no developer can predict how hackers will abuse their software in the control room. Exploiting memory issues to execute arbitrary code and exploiting vulnerabilities broadly can leave your system vulnerable to malware.

While there have been few successful attacks on the Linux desktop, the Linux kernel is not immune to hackers, crackers, and criminals looking to break into your computer.

Some of the major security vulnerabilities discovered over the years include Dirty COW (a privilege escalation vulnerability that has been exploited for more than a decade), Specter and Meltdown (CPU vulnerabilities affecting multiple platforms), Segment smack, and Dirty Pipe A vulnerability that allows unprivileged users to execute malicious code.

If you upgrade to the latest kernel version, you can be sure to have the most secure version, with all detected vulnerabilities patched and removed.

4. Solve annoying bugs through kernel updates

Bugs may not always cause security problems, but they are often annoying. Things don't work as expected, or produce unexpected results.

Especially errors related to audio and video playback and power issues. Bugs happen, and like real bugs, they appear in unexpected places. If you are using an older kernel version from the early 2000s, you may have noticed that leap seconds can cause kernel panics.

Serious bugs are fixed as soon as they are discovered, and usually updating to the latest Linux kernel results in a more stable system.

5. Kernel updates with new features

Linux kernel updates are not just about making your distribution safe and bug-free. They can make your system run faster and better.

Typically, new kernels bring performance improvements, improved CPU efficiency, new file type compatibility and hardware support.

Impress your friends by using the latest Linux kernel

By using Linux on your desktop, you have become a member of an elite, and a very small number. Your Windows-using friends may think you're a tech wizard.

Impress them further by learning about the specific improvements the latest kernel brings. If you want to show off your technical proficiency, mention that you use Arch.

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