Which is the right (in terms of performance and stability) kernel to use for my Debian x64 node?
I am using the "latest 3.0" kernel (3.0.18), but a 3.4.2 kernel is now available (3.4.2-x86_64-linode25).
Do you suggest me to use the new one? And which improvements does it give to my node?

Thank you.

We always recommend that you use the "Latest" kernel as it provides you with the most up to date and stable kernel (includes any new features added, as well as bug fixes from the Linux maintainers). We're actually going to be promoting 3.4.2 from testing to the "Latest" kernel shortly. Once that's been done, you can simply reboot and you'll be in the new kernel.

-Tim

_________________
'If debugging is the process of removing bugs, then programming must be the process of putting them in.' //Edsger Dijkstra
'Nothing is withheld from us which we have conceived to do.' | 'Do things that have never been done.' //Russell Kirsch

Ok! That's great, and very reassuring

Thank you

How about using 'latest 2.6' on Debian 6.0? I have a 32-bit Debian 6 VM installed at home that's using a 2.6.x kernel.

Reason I ask is I have some truly ancient software that seems unhappy under kernel 3.4 and 3.0...

Edit: never mind, it's unhappy under 2.6.3x too after moving from a Debian 5 Linode with 2.6.18 or so. Probably something else. Some of the code literally dates back to 1989, so it's probably something else. Would still be good to know though -- FWIW my Debian 6.0 Linode booted without complaint with the 'latest 2.6' kernel.

I would like to note, the Latest 2.6 kernel has some bugs that may cause your Linode to kernel panic and require a reboot. Additionally, I believe those kernels have a root exploit that was addressed by the Linux developers with the 3.0.4 and newer release.

-Tim

_________________
'If debugging is the process of removing bugs, then programming must be the process of putting them in.' //Edsger Dijkstra
'Nothing is withheld from us which we have conceived to do.' | 'Do things that have never been done.' //Russell Kirsch