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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
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 17, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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]

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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

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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.

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