The Linux Kernel has just been updated to a stable version 3.8.5 of the 3.8 mainline, and this brief tutorial is going to show you how to upgrade your current kernel in Ubuntu to take advantage of some of the newest features and bug fixes that are included.
Before upgrading the current kernel on your system, please make sure to back it up because issues that may result from this upgrade could render your system inoperable.
This kernel version adds support for Richland APUs, which are a new version of the Trinity APUs with performance and power management improvements.
For more about this maintenance release, please visit the Linux Kernel changelog page
Below are some of the features and bug fixes that are included
- ARM: DMA-mapping: add missing GFP_DMA flag for atomic buffer allocation
- usb: musb: da8xx: Fix build breakage due to typo
- USB: garmin_gps: fix memory leak on disconnect
- USB: serial: fix interface refcounting — Make sure the interface is not released before our serial device.
- USB: xhci: correctly enable interrupts
- clockevents: Don’t allow dummy broadcast timers
- watchdog: sp5100_tco: Remove code that may cause a boot failure
To get started with upgrading, press Ctrl – Alt – T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below to change into your Downloads folder.
cd ~/Downloads
Next, run the commands below to download either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the kernel.
32-bit Download
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-headers-3.8.5-030805-generic_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_i386.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-headers-3.8.5-030805_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_all.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-image-3.8.5-030805-generic_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_i386.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-image-extra-3.8.5-030805-generic_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_i386.deb
64-bit Download
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-headers-3.8.5-030805-generic_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_amd64.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-headers-3.8.5-030805_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_all.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-image-3.8.5-030805-generic_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_amd64.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.8.5-raring/linux-image-extra-3.8.5-030805-generic_3.8.5-030805.201303281651_amd64.deb
After downloading, run the commands below to upgrade your system’s kernel.
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
Finally, update Grub by running the commands below
sudo update-grub2
Restart your computer and you’re done. You may go back to your Downloads folder and delete the kernel archives you downloaded.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to upgrade Linux Kernel to version 3.8.5 in Ubuntu?
To upgrade your Linux Kernel to version 3.8.5 in Ubuntu, you can follow the steps outlined in the article by downloading the appropriate kernel files and running the installation commands.
What are the new features in Linux Kernel 3.8.5 for Ubuntu?
Linux Kernel 3.8.5 in Ubuntu introduces support for Richland APUs, which are an enhanced version of the Trinity APUs with performance and power management enhancements.
How to back up the current kernel before upgrading in Ubuntu?
To back up the current kernel before upgrading in Ubuntu, you should ensure to create a system backup to prevent any potential issues that may arise during the kernel upgrade process.
Why is it important to update the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu?
Updating the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu is crucial as it brings the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements that can enhance system stability and security.
What commands are used to download the Linux Kernel 3.8.5 files in Ubuntu?
In Ubuntu, you can use commands like 'wget' to download the necessary kernel files for version 3.8.5 as specified in the article.
How to install the downloaded Linux Kernel files in Ubuntu?
To install the downloaded Linux Kernel files in Ubuntu, you can use the 'dpkg -i *.deb' command followed by updating Grub using 'sudo update-grub2'.
What should be done after upgrading the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu?
After upgrading the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu, it is recommended to restart your computer to apply the changes and then delete the kernel archives from your Downloads folder to free up space.
Can upgrading the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu cause system issues?
While upgrading the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu is generally safe, there is a possibility of encountering issues that could potentially render your system inoperable. It is advisable to back up your data before proceeding with the upgrade.
