[Elecraft] K4 Radio Update

[Rick Bates, NK7I]

Usually any kernel update has to do with security issues (that's a very 
broad stroke) so freezing it would leave security gaps or known issues.

Then there are files that constantly seem to update (i.e. the time zone 
files are a constant state of update; who knew it was so tough to figure 
zone changes?).

And there may be improved drivers for the hardware, which may break 
things relying on eccentricities of the old driver...  Or drivers for 
new hardware since the last release instead of the generic driver that 
was used.

I randomly update my linux machines, no pattern at all but months apart 
is a fair guess.  They don't have many ports or services available so 
while they're still attacked, so far, there haven't been any successful 
break ins.  I also split the duties to various computers around the 
house (the router knows all and puts one linux box in the DMZ and it's 
secure enough to handle it).  Without knowing what I did, the end user 
doesn't have a clue what machine or OS I'm using.

Sometimes even the version (and support) have had a major update, which 
may change a lot of things in one pass. That's not always good.

Often the audio breaks because the app used to manipulate or process the 
audio is deprecated; so scripts or similar that call the apps must be 
adapted...

It's an evolving OS as any other, which means changes.

I'm sure Elecraft will stay on top of it.  Keep the faith.  Their name 
and rep is on the line and they treat things in that manner.

73,
Rick NK7I



On 12/6/2020 4:49 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> Was wondering that myself, Carl.  But then, I can think of two broad 
> reasons:
>
> 1.  The Linux update fixes a serious flaw that was adversely affecting 
> the Elecraft FW
>
> 2.  The update does something that, if capitalized on, would have a 
> serious positive effect on the Elecraft FW capability/performance
>
> In any case, Wayne and Eric [and the rest of the crew for that matter] 
> are not neophytes in this business.  I'm sure the reasons were good.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
> On 12/6/2020 4:36 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote:
>> Hmmm. Not sure why they don’t “freeze” the version of Linux that they 
>> have for now.
>>
>>
>
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