why to upgrade to new kernel

[prashantp786j]

Hi,

Can anyone let me know at which situation kernel needs to be upgraded?
Proper guidelines are expected and I will be very thankful.

 

[PenguinInternet]

Generally whenever a new one is released. They should be updated as per any other OS update to ensure that bugs and security issues are addressed.

 

[simonas]

From my experience as soon as kernel version goes to STABLE, everyone updates them.
You should look for changelog, if something was fixed, you should probably update it, if only new features were added which you think you won't need you can skip this. (I have never seen kernel update where there would not be something fixed).

Hope that helps!

 

[prashantp786j]

Thanks for the response.
I mean at what criteria kernel should be updated. Such as, server crash or mysql crash etc..
On what basis we suggest for kernel upgrade? apart from new release or new features.

 

[JaredR.]

The server or a service crashing is usually not a reason to update the kernel, unless you have some very specific reason to think that the kernel is contributing to the crash.

The most important reason to update the kernel is to prevent your server from becoming vulnerability to hacking attempts. Many updates to the kernel are security updates. For that reason alone, it is wise to keep your server's kernel up to date.

 

[prashantp786j]

very much appreciated.