The Linux Kernel 4.9 has reached the end of its life cycle. After being released in December 2016 and supported until now, it will no longer receive maintenance and security updates. This official designation as EOL (End-of-Life) is indicated on the kernel.org website.
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Most machines with Linux-based operating systems likely used version 4.9 due to its long-term support status. However, it is recommended that users update to at least Linux kernel 4.14 or the latest version of Linux kernel, Linux kernel 6.1.
Kernel developer and maintainer, Greg Kroah-Hartman, announced the end of the Linux kernel 4.9 on a mailing list. He stated that this is the last 4.9.y kernel to be released and that users should move to 4.14.y or 6.1.y.
To check the Linux kernel version of your system, there are three different methods: using the "uname -r" command, checking the version from the file "/proc/version," or installing the "neofetch" application to check the kernel version and get additional information about other installed packages.
It is possible to customize the Linux kernel by enabling or disabling specific options and even adding new functionalities, but it is a complicated process that might require some online guidance.
The well-known developer Greg Kroah-Hartman announced the latest update of Linux kernel version 5.19.17. However, the community will no longer support the 5.19 branch from October 24 and will instead focus on working on the already existing core of the sixth version. As a result, the 5.19 kernel version is now officially designated as EOL or "end of life." This indicates that it will not receive security updates, support for new hardware, and other improvements. Consequently, systems with the 5.19 kernel will become vulnerable to hacker attacks in the future.
Despite newer distributions running on the older kernel by default, such as Ubuntu 22.10 Kinetic Kudu released on October 20, 2022, developers recommend that all users immediately upgrade to the current version. Popular distributions with a "rolling" update, like Arch Linux and openSUSE Tumbleweed, already utilize the Linux 6.0 kernel. It will also appear in supported Fedora releases, including Fedora Linux 37.
It's worth noting that the Linux 6.0 kernel is not part of the LTS or Long-Term Support branch.
Linux Kernel 4.9 was a significant release in the Linux kernel series, introduced by Linus Torvalds in December 2016. It was a long-term support (LTS) version, indicating that it received maintenance and security updates for an extended period.
As with any software release, Linux Kernel 4.9 eventually reached its end of life (EOL) date. This means that it is no longer actively maintained or receiving updates from the official Linux kernel development team. Linux Kernel 4.9 reached its EOL on January 9, 2021.
The EOL status for a kernel release suggests that users should plan to migrate to a newer, actively maintained kernel version. These newer versions typically include bug fixes, performance improvements, and updated hardware support. By upgrading to a more recent kernel, users can benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.
It is important to keep in mind that EOL does not mean Linux Kernel 4.9 will stop working altogether or that it becomes insecure immediately. However, running an unsupported kernel version may expose users to potential vulnerabilities that will not be fixed through official updates.
Users who were relying on Linux Kernel 4.9 are advised to transition to a newer LTS release or a version aligned with their specific requirements and hardware support. It is recommended to follow the official dоcumentation and community resources to ensure a smooth transition and continued support.
While the kernel will continue to function, running an unsupported version poses potential risks due to unpatched vulnerabilities.
To ensure the ongoing security, stability, and compatibility of your system, it is recommended to transition to a newer LTS (Long-Term Support) release or a version that meets your specific requirements. The goal is to move to a kernel version that is actively maintained, regularly updated, and optimized for modern hardware and software components.
To make a smooth transition, you can follow these steps:
1. Research: Evaluate the requirements of your system, including hardware compatibility, software dependencies, and specific features needed. Consider checking community forums, official dоcumentation, and distribution-specific resources for guidance.
2. Plan: Create a transition plan that outlines the necessary steps, such as identifying a suitable replacement kernel version, backup strategies, and any potential software or driver updates required. Take note of any custom configurations or modifications done on the existing kernel to ensure they are properly migrated.
3. Testing: Before fully migrating to a new kernel version, perform thorough testing in a controlled environment. Validate the compatibility of your hardware, software applications, drivers, and other essential components. This step helps identify and address any potential issues before implementing the transition.
4. Backup: Prioritize backing up your important data and configurations to ensure they are protected during the transition process. This way, you can restore your system in the event of any unforeseen problems or compatibility issues.
5. Migration: Install the new kernel version according to the guidelines provided by your distribution or the official dоcumentation. Follow any specific instructions related to your chosen version, including any necessary patches or updates.
6. Validation: After the migration, test your system with the new kernel version to ensure all functionality and compatibility are intact. Monitor for any errors, glitches, or issues, and address them promptly.
7. Ongoing Maintenance: Once you have successfully transitioned to the new kernel version, maintain regular updates and security patches to keep your system secure and up to date. Stay informed about kernel releases, security advisories, and best practices for ongoing support.
The Linux kernel 4.9's demise is a classic example of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality that plagues the Linux community. Users have been stuck in a time warp, clinging to an outdated version that's no longer receiving security updates. It's a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.
The fact that kernel developer Greg Kroah-Hartman had to announce the end-of-life on a mailing list is a clear indication that the community needs a kick in the pants. It's time to upgrade to a more recent version, such as 4.14 or 6.1, and join the 21st century. Anything less is just plain lazy.