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A Cloud Guru

Installing a New Linux Kernel (Ubuntu)

Change is a necessary part of life, and it is no different when it comes to the Linux Kernel. As improvements and security updates are made, new versions of the kernel will be released. As a Linux administrator, it is important to be able to upgrade your kernel or install kernels that will meet specific needs. In this lab, we are tasked with installing a kernel and generating a new `initramfs` image.

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Path Info

Level

Intermediate

Duration

30m

Published

Apr 10, 2020

Challenge

Back up the Existing Kernel and initramfs Images (the Backups Should End in ".bkp")
1. Validate the current kernel version by running uname -r.
2. Back up the existing kernel and initramfs images with the mv command:
```
mv initrd.img-[version]-aws initrd.img-[version]-aws.bkp
mv vmlinuz-[version]-aws vmlinuz-[version]-aws.bkp
```
Challenge

Install the New Kernel Image Located in the /home/cloud_user Directory
1. Move bzImage from the /home/cloud_user directory to the boot directory (and ensure that it is named the same as your existing kernel image was):
```
mv /home/cloud_user/bzImage /boot/vmlinuz-[version]-aws
```
2. Update the permissions to match the other kernel images:
```
chmod 600 vmlinuz-[version]-aws
```
Challenge

Generate a New initramfs Image

Generate the new initramfs image using the mkinitramfs command (and ensure that it is named the same as the existing initramfs image): mkinitramfs -o /boot/initrd.img-[kernel_version]-aws [kernel_version]

Author

A Cloud Guru

The Cloud Content team comprises subject matter experts hyper focused on services offered by the leading cloud vendors (AWS, GCP, and Azure), as well as cloud-related technologies such as Linux and DevOps. The team is thrilled to share their knowledge to help you build modern tech solutions from the ground up, secure and optimize your environments, and so much more!

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.