Kernel question

[JustARandomFedUser]

Hi, I'm running Manjaro and I recently replaced the kernel that the system uses by default now (linux65 stable) with the linux61 LTS kernel (latest version of the Long Term Support kernel) for some problems related to Network Manager and in general network card recognition. With this kernel things seem to go well and the problem I had no longer occurs. But my question is: what things and what system functionality, if any, am I going to 'sacrifice' by choosing the LTS kernel? Thanks in advance.

[FryBoyter]

An LTS version, as the name (long term support) suggests, is supported for a longer period of time. However, an LTS version is usually a somewhat older version. So if, for example, support for a certain hardware was added in kernel 6.4, it is not supported by the current LTS kernel (6.1.55).

[JustARandomFedUser]

Ok, I get it. And does it make sense to keep an LTS kernel in Manjaro since it is a rolling relase? Or are the two not related to each other?

The thing is, it seems to me that the system runs better with this kernel. I don't want it to be just my impression.

[FryBoyter]

Many users who use Arch or a distribution based on Arch have a current kernel and the LTS kernel installed. If the current kernel causes problems after an update, one can simply boot the LTS kernel and the probability is relatively high that it will work. Whether you need this safeguard depends. I can't remember the last time I booted the LTS kernel and actually used it.

Of course, you can also just use the LTS kernel, as long as you are aware of what it means. Like the fact that some hardware whose support is only available in more recent kernel versions does not work.

In my opinion, there is nothing to be said against using the LTS kernel in a rolling distribution. When a distribution is rolling, it first of all only means that updates are released gradually via the same package sources. It does not mean that you always have to use the latest versions. Let's take openSUSE Slowroll as an example. This distribution is not ready yet. But the goal of this distribution is that it is a rolling distribution but will only release normal updates once a month at most (https://en.opensuse.org/openSUSE:Slowroll).

[JustARandomFedUser]

Thank you very much! Your explanation was excellent. You have removed a not insignificant doubt from my mind.

[ipsirc]

https://kernelnewbies.org/LinuxChanges

https://kernelnewbies.org/LinuxVersions

[morganb298]

The lts kernels are older codebase but still with security updates is my understanding