When and when not to install Kernel header updates and other important system files?

[Aravisian]

@Adam911

This is an obvious gap in my knowledge, so I was wondering what is the rule of thumb for updating when it concerns Kernel and system files, so as to avoid this problem in the future and ensure I update any critical system files?

I actually had trouble recently with the rollout of the 5.15.0-84 kernel on Zorin OS.
For me, -83 works fine. But -84 had a variety of different issues. So, I rolled back to 83.

This was not the first time I had trouble with a kernel, but it was the first time it was so noticeable that it immediately got my attention.

The general rule of thumb is to perform the system updates. The ZorinGroup tests and checks before releasing. The reality is that not all things will be caught in testing.
If there is a kernel issue, a user can enter Advanced options for Zorin, boot into the earlier kernel and remove the latest and report the bug.

But if all your hardware is working fine on a kernel, you can lock it in and prevent woes from future kernel upgrades. This way, you won't have to deal with a no-boot issue if you perform full system upgrades:

[HOW TO] set an older kernel to default boot

You may need to use an earlier kernel than the current kernel used by Zorin. This method allows you to set the kernel that you will boot into by default. To set the new kernel to default: Boot into the kernel you wish to be Saved. Open terminal and run: sudo nano /etc/default/grub Change GRUB_DEFAULT=0 to GRUB_DEFAULT=saved Hit enter to drop down a line. Add GRUB_SAVEDEFAULT=true ctrl+x to exit, then the y key to say yes to save, then the enter key to save as current configuration. Ru…