How To Upgrade The Linux Kernel

Linux is truly just the kernel. Red Hat and the other distributions in existence today are software and configuration files packaged with the Linux kernel to bring you an entire operating system. The kernel can be used to load new drivers, support new hardware, or even offer a custom kernel for individual needs.

Let’s start with the uname command to find out some information about the kernel first.

The kernel version numbering is important here (2.6.18-238.el5). This first number is the major version of the kernel. The second number is the major release of the first number. If the release number is even, which it is 6, it means that this is a stable release of the kernel. The third number is the patch version of the kernel. The last number (238) is added by Red Hat to represent its release version of the kernel. 

Step 1. View kernel package information:

Step 2. Upgrade the kernel to the latest version:

By using the yum command to update version of your kernel. This doesn’t mean that this is the most recent version of the Linux kernel available. You should download the latest version from http://www.kernel.org. 

Step 3. Verify that /etc/grub.conf has been updated to contain the updated kernel and that it is set to boot from it.

Making sure that you will load your updated kernel the next time you boot the system. If you encounter any issues, you can reboot again and choose the older kernel at the GRUB boot menu to fix any issues you’re having.

Have fun!