Long-term support for Linux kernels is to get a lot shorter

[Terryphi]

The Register reports that long-term support for Linux kernels is about to get a lot shorter. https://www.theregister.com/2023/09/26/ ... port_2023/ . How will this affect Linux Mint and anyone who uses LTS versions?

[billyswong]

It is fine for Ubuntu-based Linux distribution (for now) as Ubuntu maintain and patch more versions of downstream kernel than the amount upstream do. All the OEM kernels and LTS kernels are getting support regardless whether they are upstream LTS or not.

But for small Linux distributions that take upstream kernel directly and don't have the manpower to take things upon themselves, they will be facing shorter support period than in the past, if any one of them aim for a LTS period beyond 2 years in the past.

[Pjotr]

I think it makes sense. It's simply a matter of efficient use of limited manpower.

Downstream end users, at least desktop users (server security is something else!) can also choose to keep running an outdated kernel. Because for desktop users, running an outdated kernel with known vulnerabilities doesn't pose a big practical risk anyway.

[Hoser Rob]

It is fine for Ubuntu-based Linux distribution (for now) as Ubuntu maintain and patch more versions of downstream kernel than the amount upstream do. All the OEM kernels and LTS kernels are getting support regardless whether they are upstream LTS or not.

But for small Linux distributions that take upstream kernel directly and don't have the manpower to take things upon themselves, they will be facing shorter support period than in the past, if any one of them aim for a LTS period beyond 2 years in the past.

One the shift to a 2 yr LTS kernel happens I fully expect Ubuntu to follow suit.

[Hoser Rob]

I understand why they're doing this, but it's really going to affect the "Linux is the saviour of old hardware" crowd.