The world of open source recently saw that the Linux kernel has a new version, in particular, the 4.20. This new version contains some interesting new features, so in this post, I will teach you how to install Linux Kernel 4.20 on Ubuntu 18.04 and Linux Mint 19.
Linux Kernel 4.20 is the latest stable version of the main kernel of Linux distributions. This version comes loaded with new features and improvements to the supported drivers. This is very useful if, for example, you use quite new computers whose drivers require this version. It is also useful if you want to test it or examine its source code.
Some of the features of this new version of the Linux Kernel are:
- Add an alternative driver for Usb Typeo-c ports.
- Improvements for KVM virtualization.
- Initial support for 802.11ax WLAN cards.
And many other new features.
So, let’s start.
Install Linux Kernel 4.20
Thanks to the kernel-ppa repository, the installation process is quite simple, but still delicate. On the other hand, if your computer works normally you probably don’t want to do this process. Warned you are.
First, upgrade the system.
:~$ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Doing this will make your system more stable and efficient enough to continue with the installation.
Now the second step is to install wget. It is very likely that you have it installed because it comes with Ubuntu and Linux Mint, but better to be sure.
:~$ sudo apt install wget
Next, we started downloading the Kernel files. They are 3, the kernel itself, the headers and finally the modules.
:~$ wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.20/linux-headers-4.20.0-042000_4.20.0-042000.201812232030_all.deb
:~$ wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.20/linux-image-unsigned-4.20.0-042000-generic_4.20.0-042000.201812232030_amd64.deb
:~$ wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.20/linux-modules-4.20.0-042000-generic_4.20.0-042000.201812232030_amd64.deb
Now, just install the files.
:~$ sudo dpkg -i linux-*.deb
Now all that’s left is to reboot and boot the system with the new kernel installed.
Now run on the terminal:
:~$ uname -a
:~$ uname -r
And now you have the Linux Kernel 4.20 installed on your computer.
Conclusion
The Linux Kernel is an essential part of the system. Upgrading it opens up many possibilities in the system, especially when it comes to hardware support. However, being a critical component of the system, it can cause some failures.
On the other hand, the installation is quite simple and it is possible to try it on your computer with Ubuntu 18.04 or Linux Mint 19.
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