Linux Kernel 3.10 gets long-term support

A common misconception is that Linux is an operating system. While it is easier to think of it this way, in reality, Linux is a kernel that operating systems (or distributions) use. For example, Ubuntu and Android are operating systems that utilize the Linux kernel. And so, this kernel is extremely important, as it impacts many users on many different operating systems.

Since the Linux Kernel can change very rapidly, there is a need by some (usually companies) to have a long-term support version; supported for 2 years.

Yesterday, Linux developer Greg Kroah-Hartman announced that Kernel 3.10 has been given the "LTS" moniker. "I’m picking this kernel after spending a lot of time talking about kernel releases, and product releases and development schedules from a large range of companies and development groups. I couldn't please everyone, but I think that the 3.10 kernel fits the largest common set of groups that rely on the longterm [sic] kernel releases", says Greg.

The developer further explains that "...the 3.10-stable kernel releases are not slowing down at all, and there are plenty of pending patches already lined up for the next few releases, I figured it was a good time to let everyone know now that I’m picking the 3.10 kernel release as the next longterm [sic] kernel, so they can start planning things around it if needed".

While this is great news for companies with specific needs, the average home user will still likely seek the newest stable kernel for the latest features and hardware support.

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