The recently released Ubuntu 18.04.3 includes several new features and improvements in the Linux 5.0 kernel, but is not installed by default. This tutorial demonstrates how to get the Linux 5 kernel in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.

The third “point release” of Ubuntu 18.04 has been released, bringing new stable versions of GNOME components, LivePatch desktop integration, and kernel 5.0.

But wait! What is a “point release”? Let me explain first.

Ubuntu LTS Decimal point version

Ubuntu 18.04 was released in April 2018, and since it is a long term support (LTS) release, it will be supported until 2023. Since then, there have been numerous bug fixes, security updates and software upgrades. If you download Ubuntu 18.04 today, you will need to install these updates first after installing Ubuntu.

Of course, this is not an ideal situation. This is why Ubuntu offers these “decimal versions”. The point release contains all feature and security updates as well as bug fixes added since the LTS version was first released. If you download Ubuntu today, you will get Ubuntu 18.04.3 instead of Ubuntu 18.04. This saves the hassle of downloading and installing hundreds of updates on a newly installed Ubuntu system.

All right! Now you know the concept of a decimal version. How do you upgrade to these decimal versions? The answer is simple. Just update your Ubuntu system as usual and you will be on the latest decimal version.

You can check out the Ubuntu version to see what version is in use. I checked because I was using Ubuntu 18.04.3 and I thought my kernel would be 5. When I looked at the Linux kernel version, it was still base kernel 4.15.

Why is that? If Ubuntu 18.04.3 has a Linux 5.0 kernel, why does it still use a Linux 4.15 kernel? This is because you must manually request the installation of a new kernel in Ubuntu LTS by selecting the LTS support Stack Enablement Stack (commonly referred to as HWE).

Get the Linux 5.0 kernel in Ubuntu 18.04 using HWE

By default, Ubuntu LTS will remain on the original released Linux kernel. The Hardware Enablement Stack (HWE) provides updated kernel and XORG support for existing Ubuntu LTS versions.

Some changes have taken place recently. If you downloaded Ubuntu 18.04.2 or a newer desktop version, HWE will be enabled for you and by default you will get the new kernel as well as regular updates.

For server versions and those who have downloaded 18.04 and 18.04.1, you will need to install the HWE kernel. When you’re done, you’ll get an updated LTS version of the kernel from Ubuntu.

To install the HWE kernel and the updated xorg on the Ubuntu desktop, you can use this command from a terminal:

Sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic- H-18.04 xserver-xorg-H-18.04Copy the code

If you are using the Ubuntu server edition, there is no xorg option. So just install the HWE kernel in Ubutnu server edition:

Sudo apt-get install --install-recommends linux-generic-WE-18.04Copy the code

After the HWE kernel is installed, restart the system. You should now have an updated Linux kernel.

Did you get the 5.0 kernel in Ubuntu 18.04?

Please note that users who downloaded and installed Ubuntu 18.04.2 already have HWE enabled. So these users will have easy access to the 5.0 kernel.

Are you having trouble enabling the HWE kernel in Ubuntu? It’s entirely up to you. The Linux 5.0 kernel has several performance improvements and better hardware support. You will benefit from the new kernel.

What do you think? Would you install the 5.0 kernel or would you rather stay on the 4.15 kernel?

Via: itsfoss.com/ubuntu-hwe-…

By Abhishek Prakash (Lujun9972

This article is originally compiled by LCTT and released in Linux China