I have the following kernels installed:

  • linux-zen (Zen)
  • linux-rt (RealTime)
  • linux-hardened (Security Hardened)
  • linux-lts (Long Term Support)
  • linux-tr-lts (Realtime LTS)

When I boot up, I try the different kernels from time to time just to see if anything interesting happens. It never does.

My question: How do I actually physically notice the difference between these kernels? If I use RT, does Firefox spawn quicker (in my testing, no, not really)?

What are some use cases when I can really see the difference in these kernels?

  • vort3
    11·
    7 hours ago

    I’m trying to tinker with my system and replace a perfectly good and well optimized default kernel for some kernel made for specific niche use cases and I don’t see any performance increase. Why would it be?

    Yes, surprisingly the default kernel is optimized well rather than just being a badly written placeholder that users should manually replace for their system to become usable.

    It’s 2025 and stuff is designed to just work out of the box.