Linux 2.4.15 is out; Linux 2.5.0 has also begun.

jbondjr writes: "It appears 2.4.15 is released. It's not quite updated on kernel.org's main page, but it is there if you dig through the tree. You can find 2.4.15 on one of your friendly Kernel.org Mirrors (note the 2.4.15 Changelog) From the 2.5 readme: "Linux-2.5.0 is exactly the same as 2.4.15, except for a version number change." So, enjoy the The 2.5 Tree

Comments

It will happen again?

[bockman]

My impression, as a linux user, is that with 2.4 we (well...they) have moved to a three stage development cycle:

• alpha : the development tree
• beta : developers realise that they have done all the tests they could and call 'stable' the development tree. More users starts using the new kernel (users which would not have used a 'development' release). New bug and problems come out; some of them may not be fixable with small patches, but may require some strong re-enginering.
• final : the developers and beta users are satisfied with the current performances of the stable kernel ( and maybe also tired of working on it ;^>). The stable kernel is given to the maitainers. A new development kernel begins.

This is not a bad model. Maybe the kernel is getting too big for the two-stage model. And maybe too many people are using Linux for critical business, starving the 'development' releases of the testers it needs to get production quality.

Request for 2.5.x

[redcliffe]

I want support for ATAPI/IDE CD Burners. The SCSI emulation solution isn't the best solution I don't think. That's the extent of my wishlist. I'll be happy with whatever else Linus gives us in his infinite wisdom. Anyone else got a wishlist for 2.5.x?

Re:Stable or not?

[Ami Ganguli]

Stable is totally relative. The 2.2.x tree has had a lot longer to mature. It'll probably be a year before 2.4.x is as solid. This is true with most operating systems. If you have a mission critical server that's been working flawlessly on 2.2.x, then you have no reason to upgrade to 2.4.x. Since the old series is still maintained with security fixes, you can stay with the old kernel for a long time.

On the other hand, if you're installing a new machine you might benefit from some of the 2.4.x features. As long as the machine isn't really critical, you might as well go for it. If you're starting a project that won't be deployed for another six months or so, then 2.4.x is definately the way to go. Likewise on a desktop machine.

In your particular case, you need to evaluate how stable your Unreal Tournament server needs to be. Will you go out of business if it crashes? If not then I'd go ahead and upgrade. Chances are it'll be rock solid, and if not you can always go back.