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Linux 2.6.0-test3 Released
xepsilon writes "Linux 2.6.0-test3 has been released. Grab your copy off your local kernel.org mirror and report those bugs! Remember, any bug you find that you don't report is likely to not be fixed in the next release if you don't report it. See the ChangeLog for more details."
You won't see an official rpm from redhat on an experimental kernel. typically, redhat released kernels lag a couple months anyway. You might find 3rd party RPMs, but your mileage will REALLY vary.
You really don't want to install an rpm of an experimental kernel anyway, you should build it yourself. If you are not familiar with building your own kernel (not trivial, but not that difficult) then you should probably stick with stock kernels, since experimental and/or release candidates tend to have bugs that can break things. Also, anytime to upgrade from 2.4x to 2.6x you can expect potential to break things anyway.
The best thing is to install the source on a spare box, and compile it yourself, or learn how to if you don't know how. Its not THAT hard, but expect to screw it up a few times at first. Just be sure to update GRUB or LILO (and run lilo).
I use pretty much stock kernels now, although I will build them on my test boxes, to get a better understanding of changes. The stock kernels from RedHat are pretty good and functional from my experience, unless you need UberOptimized kernels.
It will likely be a few months AFTER 2.6 is released officially before RH issues and official version. Keep in mind that any 2.x.0 kernel is going to have the MOST bugs anyway. Most production boxes should wait for 2.x.2 releases anyway, unless they absolutely NEED the new features, or you love living on the edge (which if that is the case, you would be building your own kernel anyway).
Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!
Not every server, even not every Linux server, is running at a hosting company. There are lots and lots of servers running in enterprises, in the IT room of medium businesses and at casinos, under the counter of small businesses, and even in spare bedrooms around the world. I suspect there are even Linux servers running in caves and tunnels.
And as a system administrator at a Web hosting company, I can assure you that we don't run in everything that Red Hat releases, either, for just the raason you indicated: instability.
if you ever unpicked a RH 2.4.x kernel in RH8 or 9, you'd notice more similarities to the 2.5.x tree than 2.4.x
They have picked several pieces of 2.5 to put in their 2.4, but I see this as a good thing, not a bad. This allows them to go to market on the cutting edge, but still tested and stable. Technically, EVERY Linux kernel is experimental to a degree, since they are still developing it. But from my experience, RedHat kernels are pretty stable, and easily upgraded with an RPM. Not perfect, but neither is any kernel you don't roll on your own. Frankly, they are probably more stable than 90% of the home rolled kernels, too.
I have been using stock RH kernels on one 7.2 server for several years (and on other servers for less) and have never had a problem with them. I install with the RPM and reboot remotely, and haven't had one fail to boot correctly (I DO have someone nearby to call on the phone if it did crap out). Not perfect, but worth the $60 a year per box I shell out for RHN, and even better for the average home hacker downloading for free.
I'm not smart enough to be a kernel snob, I'm too busy using Linux in the business to actually earn money. Personally, I like Redhat even tho they are not perfect.
Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!