What Version of Linux Are We On? Renato Bond | usagoldmines.com

Apple just lately launched macOS 15 and we count on Microsoft to announce Home windows 12 anytime now! So, what’s the subsequent huge Linux launch? Come to consider it, what’s the present model of Linux? Google tells me Linux is on model 6.x! However Ubuntu is on model 24.04! What does that even imply?

Why There’s No Single Model of the Linux Working System

You would possibly already know that there are many “varieties” of Linux. Listed below are a number of of them with their newest variations (on the time of writing):

Ubuntu 24.10

Kubuntu 24.10

Linux Mint 22

Manjaro 24.1

Fedora 40

Since Ubuntu, Manjaro, and Fedora are completely different from each other, it is smart for every to have a distinct model quantity. Kubuntu is predicated on Ubuntu, so each have the identical model! Nevertheless, Linux Mint can be Ubuntu-based, so why are there completely different model numbers? Is it lagging behind Ubuntu? And why is Linux correct nonetheless caught at model 6.11?

This confusion stems from a basic misconception! Linux, strictly talking, is not an working system. The title Linux technically refers to the kernel—the core element of an working system that manages {hardware} sources and supplies important providers. Consider the kernel because the engine of a automobile. Simply as completely different automobile fashions can use the identical engine, varied Linux distributions (distros) use the Linux kernel as their basis.

The distros construct on the Linux kernel by including a package deal supervisor for software program set up and updates, desktop environments for graphical interfaces, pre-installed functions, and many others., to ship a complete operating system. Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Linux Mint, Manjaro, and Fedora, are all examples of Linux distros.

Now, distros don’t get a model improve following the Linux kernel. Some replace themselves following a set routine, bundling in all the newest stuff (together with the kernel) at that cut-off date. Others replace themselves as quickly as something new is launched. We’ll speak about distro versioning in a later part.

The Linux Kernel

The primary launch of Linux was version 0.0.1 in September 1991, containing round 10,000 traces of code! On the time of writing, the newest model is Linux 6.11, with over 30 million traces of code, with roughly 60% of that are drivers to make sure compatibility with completely different {hardware}.

To test your kernel model, open the terminal and kind:

uname -r

Newer kernel variations usually deliver a number of advantages:

Enhanced driver compatibility—supporting newer {hardware} elements or peripherals.

Bug fixes—addressing minor annoyances to important system stability issues.

Safety patches—defending towards newly found vulnerabilities.

Efficiency enhancements—for higher useful resource administration, lowered energy consumption, or sooner processing for particular duties.

Updating your kernel relies on your distribution, however usually includes utilizing your system’s package manager or a devoted kernel replace software.

Ought to You Improve to Newer Kernel Variations if Obtainable?

If a brand new Linux kernel model is made accessible in your distro’s official repository (repo), you possibly can set up it to maintain your system up to date—particularly if it is a Lengthy-Time period Help (LTS) launch. Nevertheless, there’s no must rush and manually set up a brand new kernel model from source—the truth is, I’d advise towards doing so!

Whereas newer kernels provide benefits, there could possibly be compatibility points with present {hardware} or software program that aren’t but optimized. As such, we suggest ready on your distro to formally launch the brand new kernel of their repos earlier than putting in it.

Additionally, test whether or not you’re putting in a LTS kernel or a non-LTS one. Non-LTS variations are usually supported for 3-4 months. Utilizing them means you’ll must routinely replace to newer releases. Nevertheless, LTS variations are supported for 2 years (typically longer), eliminating the necessity for fixed updating.

As a rule of thumb, in case your Linux system is steady and also you’re utilizing an LTS kernel, there is not any pressing must improve it. Typically, making use of safety updates as notified by your OS is adequate. Think about updating in case your present kernel is now not supported otherwise you’re experiencing recognized points that the newer kernel resolves.

So, How Does Linux Distribution Versioning Work?

Every distribution follows its personal versioning system and is never influenced by the kernel model it’s utilizing. Ubuntu, probably the most widespread distributions, makes use of a year.month versioning system, releasing two variations every year—in April and October.

On the time of writing, Ubuntu 24.10 is the newest model launched in April 2024. The following model anticipated is Ubuntu 25.04, to be launched in April 2025. Now, Ubuntu has many flavors or spins. This consists of Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu and lots of others. Because of this, all these distros undertake Ubuntu’s versioning system.

Then there’s Linux Mint. It’s based only on Ubuntu’s LTS releases to make sure a steady and dependable expertise. It doesn’t comply with Ubuntu’s versioning system. The newest model is Linux Mint 22—primarily based on Ubuntu 24.04.

Fedora is one other widespread Linux distro that releases two variations every year, within the months of April and October. The newest model of Fedora is 40! There aren’t any LTS releases, because the distro goals to ship a steady but cutting-edge expertise.

Talking of cutting-edge, we’ve got Manjaro—an Arch-based distro following a rolling-release cycle. Right here, the distro is perpetually upgraded with new instruments, kernel updates, and extra shortly after they’re made accessible, making it good for customers who can’t anticipate the newest options.

Curiously, even rolling launch distros typically use version numbers or names for his or her set up media to assist customers determine the age of the set up picture. For instance, the present set up media for Manjaro is model 24.1.

The world of Linux versioning might be advanced however little question fascinating, reflecting the variety and adaptability of the open-source ecosystem. It’s an environment friendly system that enables for fast innovation, customization, and selection, as customers can update or stay back as they see fit. Whereas it could appear complicated at first, when you begin utilizing it, all the pieces will begin making sense, like utilizing Microsoft Office 24 on Home windows 11.