this post was submitted on 03 Dec 2025
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Stable will still get security patches and bug updates, just no new major kernel jumps or new features.
. . . until something in the stack requires a significant kernel upgrade, and then you're stuck.
Yep, it is helpful for corporate applications, where nothing can introduce possible behavioural changes, that affect users, program function or the application development.
Most “stable” distros offer kernel version that update more frequently to accommodate new hardware.
Most “rolling” distros offer LTS kernels that remain essentially unchanged for long periods.
The kernel is one of the smallest differences between the two models.
That's a very odd example to choose given how trivially interchangable kernels are.
At NixOS, we ship the same set of kernels on stable and rolling; the only potential difference being the default choice.
I'm pretty sure most other stable distros optionally ship newer kernels too. There isn't really a technical reason why they couldn't.
Many smaller projects not explicitly supported by the vendor only make new releases and don’t also maintain a stable version.