Why does Ubuntu need to update its kernel so often?

Solution 1:

Here is a list why packages (so including the kernel) got updated: https://www.ubuntuupdates.org/

• Version: 3.5.0-22.34 2013-01-08 23:19:18 UTC
• Version: 3.5.0-22.33 2013-01-02 23:08:48 UTC
• Version: 3.5.0-21.32 2012-12-11 21:08:43 UTC
• Version: 3.5.0-20.31 2012-12-05 15:08:46 UTC
• Version: 3.5.0-19.30 2012-11-13 19:08:30 UTC

All include a long list of fixes so the best answer to me seems: those kernel bug fixers have been doing a lot of work so there have been more moments to offer a kernel upgrade.

It might have something to do with the kenelversion 3.5.0. This was a big update so it will include a bit more bugs where some might be easy to fix.

Solution 2:

The main reason is to provide fixes to security flaws that get discovered, fix stability bugs, and provide updated hardware support.

Some notes about kernel updates:

• Because the running kernel is kept loaded in memory, it possible to keep working indefinitely without rebooting after a kernel update. This will continue running the old kernel. Of course, you will then remain vulnerable to any security issues fixed in the update until you reboot. If you are just using a low-security workstation and you're in the middle of something, that risk may be acceptable. Consider reading the changelog for the update to see whether it contains security fixes for flaws that may affect you.

• Ksplice is a kernel extension that allows the running kernel to be updated in memory, without rebooting. This is useful for servers for which downtime (disruptions when rebooting) is costly.