Mint 18.3 Updates

[Altster]

I have my update settings to show up to Level 4 updates. However I shy away from doing any kernel updates - if it ain't broke, don't "fix" it - is my feeling about updates.

Update Policy - Just keep my computer safe

Currently I have the following level 4 updates showing:

linux-firmware (new version) 1.157.14

Linux kernel (new version) 4.4.0.103.126

linux-libc-dev (new verson 4.4.0-103.126

Is it really safe to install these if I am not having any (known to me) difficulties?

 

[Krynn72]

How are your backups?

Everything is safe if you have known good backups and some free time to deal with potential issues.

 

[Metanis]

How are your backups?

Everything is safe if you have known good backups and some free time to deal with potential issues.

Love it!

 

[Altster]

How are your backups?

Backups?

"I don't need no stinkin' backups!"

 

[GTP]

Kernel updates are important for security and bug fixes, so of course I keep them updated.
There has always been two camps in Linux - the ones that adopt the strategy "if it ain't broke - don't fix it" and the other who keep everything on the "cutting edge."
I've never had an issue with a kernel update, in fact I've never had an issue with any update in (any flavour of) Linux (apart from video drivers in Bodhi).
I've used Gentoo, OpenSuse, Bodhi, Ubuntu, Fedora, Crunchbang, Sabyon, Debian, and more but have settled on Mint across the board..
Granted that I don't screw with the settings in the Update Manager's preferences, apart from change the policy to "Always Update Everything" I leave it on Level 4.
I keep regular cloud and separate backups of my /home folder. I also like to backup /var, /bin and /etc just for giggles.

 

[coffee]

I think it all depends on your hardware. Im running a x1800 Ryzen and a RX480 on kernel 4.13 right now. Since its new hardware it would be your advantage to get the new kernels. Of course you can look at the release notes for the kernel and see if anything is pertaining to your hardware. If not then it really wouldnt hurt in that respect.

You can always boot into the last kernel version you used also at boot time. So, If you do have a issue then reboot and choose your other kernel then uninstall the new kernel.

 

[Altster]

Well after doing a backup of my files I went ahead and installed the new kernel and its associated files.

So far, so good AND I don't really expect any problems with my setup.

 

[Diggs]

I saw the Intel Spectre patch go through on Mint today. Might have been waiting for awhile and I didn't see it.

 

[GTP]

I saw the Intel Spectre patch go through on Mint today. Might have been waiting for awhile and I didn't see it.

I haven't seen anything yet apart from a new kernel - 4.13.0.20 - yesterday.

 

[Diggs]

I haven't seen anything yet apart from a new kernel - 4.13.0.20 - yesterday.

That's because you need to be running Intel -
(Kidding - I have no idea what's on your Linux machine.)

 

[GTP]

That's because you need to be running Intel -
(Kidding - I have no idea what's on your Linux machine.)

ASUS Laptop with 5th Gen Intel Core i7, 8 GB ram and a 1TB HDD (spinner)

 

[NJW]

I haven’t seen anything yet apart from a new kernel

Mint blog entry.
There’s a bit in there about Opera, too.