Linux. For many, entire operating systems, or so we refer to them. But the truth is that it is the core on which all of them are based. Its development began 31 years ago as a final year project by Linus Torvalds, and today it is in all kinds of devices, from computers to IoT (Internet of Things) devices, passing through the clouds. But there is not a single linux kernel, or rather, there are different versions of it.
What is best known is the stable kernel. It is what is used in most distributions that do not opt ​​for an LTS, but also there are some specially designed for audiovisual editing, or others that receive security patches before the stable one. In this article we are going to talk about six options, each with a reason for being. Which is the best option will depend on our daily use.
Linux kernel
Stable
As its name indicates, it is the stable version of the Linux kernel, and it is the one developed by Linus Torvalds together with his collaborators. is thrown a new update every two months or so, and the first issue is uploaded once every three years, more or less. It is what is used in most distributions, as long as they do not opt ​​for one like the next one on the list.
LTS
LTS stands for Long Term Support, which means that it is supported for a longer time. Support time depends on the maintainers, and, for example, Linux 5.15 LTS is supposed and expected to be supported for less time than Linux 5.10 LTS. Usually they are supported for five years, but the maintainers can decide that this time is reduced to 3 years.
The nice thing about an LTS kernel is that does not receive new functions that they could break compatibilities, that and that they receive many corrective updates. Therefore, they are more stable than the stable ones, forgive the redundancy, but they do not receive news that is not to fix something.
rt or Real Time
When we work with audiovisual content, there may be a delay between a signal and when it reaches the equipment. For example, if we connect an electric guitar to a computer, put on headphones and the software is not in good condition, we could end up hearing the sound with some delay, making it practically impossible for us to play well. These kinds of problems are minimized with a -rt kernel or in real time.
Hardened
It is a "hardened" version of the stable Linux kernel, more security-focused, and comes with patches that the stable version has not yet received. Has a security settings.
Keep in mind that the extra layer of security could cause some programs to not work with this kernel, so it should only be used if security is the most important thing for our use and equipment.
Zen
It's a Linux kernel designed with performance in mind, but it also consumes more power when you're pulling all the stops. For this reason it is considered by many as the best option for gaming. Has low latency and high refresh rate. In general, it has modifications so that it works better in daily use on a desktop system, as long as we take into account that it can reduce autonomy, something that it can also do in the opposite direction.
There are distributions, such as Garuda Linux, that use this kernel to improve performance, something to keep in mind if you use a laptop and it can't take a long time without loading.
linux-libre
linux-libre is a project that maintains several modified versions of the Linux kernel that are remove everything that does not include source code and other software that uses proprietary licenses. It is recommended by the Free Software Foundation.
Which Linux kernel should I use?
From my point of view, what our distribution offers it is close to being the best alternative for us. It may not use the latest stable version, but it should include the latest security patches. If we want the latter, and our distribution doesn't use it, the stable Linux kernel should be the second thing to consider.
In the end, it's best what best suits our needs, and if there are so many options, it is because they are necessary. Zen and RT should also be taken into account by gamers and content creators respectively. As I always say, the choice is ours.