Main Linux kernel vs Ubuntu kernel

[Subhashini Rao Beerisetty]

Hi All,


Apologies for the dull questions, I’m noob, need to learn lot more stuff.



We’ve a bunch of hardware & test systems, we started this project by opting
ubuntu distro 16.04 LTS v4.4 kernel for development of device drivers, test
utilities.


I’d like to know, what are the differences between the main Linux kernel
and the kernel being used by Ubuntu?


If I need to upgrade our drivers to latest kernel v4.17, what are the best
possible ways? In future, is it possible for us to use the current
installed 16.04 LTS by just upgrading the Linux kernel version?


Are all the Linux kernel releases are backward compatible?


Even Ubuntu distro has LTS, non-LTS, GA, HWE kernels, what’s the difference
between these? Which one should be the best choice for development &
validating the hardware?


Can someone clarify me on this?



Thanks
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