There are usually only a few bugfix kernel releases until next mainline kernel becomes available - unless it is designated a 'longterm maintenance kernel.' Stable kernel updates are released on as-needed basis, usually once a week.

New mainline kernels are released every 2-3 months.Īfter each mainline kernel is released, it is considered 'stable.' Any bug fixes for a stable kernel are backported from the mainline tree and applied by a designated stable kernel maintainer. It's the tree where all new features are introduced and where all the exciting new development happens. Mainline tree is maintained by Linus Torvalds. Linux distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting utilities and libraries to fulfill the distribution's intended use. Some popular mainstream Linux distributions include Debian (and its derivatives such as Ubuntu), Fedora and openSUSE.

Typically Linux is packaged in a format known as a Linux distribution for desktop and server use. The development of Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software collaboration typically all the underlying source code can be used, freely modified, and redistributed, both commercially and non-commercially, by anyone under licenses such as the GNU General Public License. Linux is a leading server operating system, and runs the 10 fastest supercomputers in the world.

Linux can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from mobile phones, tablet computers, routers, and video game consoles, to mainframes and supercomputers. Linux refers to the family of Unix-like computer operating systems using the Linux kernel.

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