Linux did change its major release number. So, you might ask whether you are required to upgrade to Linux 3.0 and what features are included in the new development branch.

Linux 3.0

In general the change of the major version number in software projects indicates a major change in applications or the availablility of much more features. This is not the case for Linux 3.0.

Linus Torvalds pointed out: “There are no special landmark features or incompatibilities related to the version number change, it’s simply a way to drop an inconvenient numbering system in honor of twenty years of Linux”.

All in all the Kernel of Linux 3.0 is just a new release in the fashion of the development branch 2.6. There is no need to get in hurry. Just follow regular software updates of your distribution providers and you will be on the safe side.

To get an overview of innovations introtuced with Linux 3.0, just take a look at the release notes avalable at Kernel.org.