121 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
121 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# Alfred Linux — Kernel Upgrade Roadmap
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## Executive Summary
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Alfred Linux currently runs on Debian Bookworm with kernel 6.1.0-44 (LTS). This roadmap evaluates upgrading to kernel 6.12 LTS for improved hardware support (WiFi 6E/7, GPU, NVMe, USB4/Thunderbolt). Recommended approach: phased testing starting with backports, followed by selective custom builds if needed.
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---
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## 1. Current 6.1 LTS Timeline & EOL
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| Item | Detail |
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|------|--------|
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| **Kernel 6.1 Release** | December 11, 2022 |
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| **Expected EOL** | December 2027 (5 years) |
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| **Bookworm Standard EOF** | June 10, 2026 (3 years) |
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| **Bookworm LTS Support** | Until June 30, 2028 (5 years total) |
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**No immediate urgency** — 6.1 is stable and maintained. Migration needed by 2027+ for newer Debian releases.
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---
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## 2. Kernel 6.12 LTS Availability
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| Kernel | Release | LTS EOL | Bookworm Status | Trixie Status |
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|--------|---------|---------|-----------------|---------------|
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| 6.1 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2027 | **Stable** | Backports |
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| 6.6 | Oct 2023 | Dec 2027 | Backports | Stable |
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| 6.12 | Nov 2024 | Dec 2028 | **Not available** | Unstable/Early |
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### Availability Options
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1. **Debian Backports** (recommended) — Expected Q4 2026
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2. **Bookworm-Backports-Sloppy** — High risk, breaks upgrade path
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3. **Custom Build from Source** — Fallback if backports delayed
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4. **Wait for Trixie** — Alfred Linux v3.0+ on new base
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---
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## 3. Hardware Improvements 6.6 → 6.12
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### WiFi & Bluetooth
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- WiFi 6E stable from 6.8+, WiFi 7 growing from 6.10+
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- Bluetooth 5.4+ support, LE Audio codecs stable in 6.12
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### GPU
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- AMDGPU RDNA3 excellent from 6.10+
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- Intel Arc improving steadily
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- Nouveau Ada architecture prep in 6.12
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### Storage
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- NVMe 2.0 optimized, PCIe 5.0 improved from 6.10
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- Boot times 5–15% faster on high-end SSDs
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### USB4 & Thunderbolt
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- Docking stations, multi-monitor, hot-plug stable from 6.8+
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- USB-C PD negotiation more reliable
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---
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## 4. Risks
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| Risk | Severity | Mitigation |
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|------|----------|------------|
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| DKMS modules fail to compile | HIGH | Pre-test in container |
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| Out-of-tree modules (ZFS, proprietary WiFi) fail | HIGH | Test with Debian source |
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| live-build kernel package selection | HIGH | Custom build or wait for backports |
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| Initramfs hooks missing | MEDIUM | Verify initramfs-tools compatibility |
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| Kernel naming (vmlinuz-* globs) | MEDIUM | Apply same hooks from RC3 fix |
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---
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## 5. Recommended Phases
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### Phase 1: Monitor (Apr–Sep 2026)
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- Track `apt search linux-image-6.12` monthly
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- Continue RC releases with 6.1 LTS
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- Keep 6.1 as production default
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### Phase 2: Backports Testing (Q4 2026–Q1 2027)
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```bash
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apt install -t bookworm-backports linux-image-amd64 linux-headers-amd64
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```
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Validate: WiFi, GPU, NVMe, USB-C/Thunderbolt, Calamares installer
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### Phase 3: Custom Build (Fallback, only if needed Q1 2027)
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- Download kernel source from kernel.org
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- Build .deb packages with Debian scripts
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- Integrate into build-unified.sh
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### Phase 4: Release Alfred Linux v2.1+
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**Criteria to flip:**
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- ✅ Backports available OR custom build tested
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- ✅ DKMS modules compile cleanly
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- ✅ ISO boots on 3+ hardware profiles
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- ✅ No regressions vs 6.1
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- ✅ Documented with hardware caveats
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---
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## 6. Timeline
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| Phase | Period | Action |
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|-------|--------|--------|
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| Monitor | Apr–Sep 2026 | Track backports; keep 6.1 default |
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| Test | Oct 2026–Jan 2027 | Test 6.12 in labs |
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| Custom Build | Feb–Apr 2027 | Fallback if backports unavailable |
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| RC Release | May–Jun 2027 | Ship RC with 6.12 |
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| Final | Jul 2027+ | Alfred Linux v2.1 or v3.0 |
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---
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## 7. Upgrade Path
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```
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Alfred Linux v2.x → Bookworm + kernel 6.1 LTS (until June 2028)
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Alfred Linux v2.1 → Bookworm + kernel 6.12 backports (Q4 2026+)
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Alfred Linux v3.0 → Trixie + kernel 6.6+ (2027+)
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```
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---
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**Status:** Ready for Phase 1 monitoring | Updated: April 6, 2026
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