Version 2.6 of the Linux kernel was released in late 2003 and since then the developers have stuck with the 2.6.x.y version numbering. It’s been five years with the stable Linux 2.6 kernel, but a proposal has been made on the Linux kernel mailing list to change this scheme.  Novel’s Greg Kroah-Hartman has proposed the numbering version be time-based instead of the blunt and non descriptive format currently followed. Instead of having say the Linux 2.6.28 kernel it could be called 2009.0.0 (or 2009.1.0). The next kernel update would then be called 2009.1.0 (or 2009.2.0). In response to Greg’s mailing list message. This could give lay users a better idea of how recent a kernel they are using. This is more significant today as  the number of lay or first time Linux users are on an all time high and that too accelerating. 

The new system will take time before we start seeing the new labeling system as it will  have to be approved and further more adopted  by the different distros.

Related Posts

• Firefox for Mobile
• What in the world is Bokeh ?