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• Launchpad Entry: kernel-karmic-kernel-decision-session

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Summary

This specification describes the thought process that goes into how we choose a kernel version.

Release Note

Rationale

Every release cycle we must choose a kernel that is as recent as possible while still remaining stable. Typically the decision is simply the most recently released kernel prior to the Ubuntu release. Once in the last several cycles we chose an -rc7 release from Linus, but upgraded to the release version soon thereafter.

The only mitigating factor that I can think of for this release cycle is the requirements of the ARM flavours. Otherwise, were x86 the only consideration, I think 2.6.31 will be released in time for the Karmic cycle. Improvements in 2.6.31 that will have a direct impact include:

• Maturation of ext4
• Continued improvements in wireless subsystem and device support
• Maturation of KMS for Intel and ATI.
• 2nd generation parallel (or asynchronous) kernel boot.
• Probable inclusion of unionfs

ARM questions to be answered are:

• What ARM instruction set will we use (v4 or v7) ?
• If v7, then its likely we'll only support Freescale and OMAP3.
• If we choose to synchronise with Android, what version are they targeting?
• Does it even make sense to try to standardise ARM and x86 on the same kernel?

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