Is it important to keep Linux up to date on MiSTer?

[Waifu4Life]

Is it important to keep Linux up to date on MiSTer? I only update the Main MiSTer and the individual cores via FTP, so am I missing anything by not updating Linux?

[Retro-Nerd]

You get the Linux update automatically via update_all.script.

[Waifu4Life]

You get the Linux update automatically via update_all.script.

Not really answering my question.

[Retro-Nerd]

Check the commits and you see what you are missing when you never update the kernal.

https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Linux-K ... Ter-v5.15/

[Longtime4321]

Probably not. I don't know anyone out there hacking MiSTer's, and if they wanted to they could do it easily via FTP anyways.

[Retro-Nerd]

If you don't need support/fixes for specific controllers, controller adapters, Wheels, force feedback etc...then it's probably fine.

[Waifu4Life]

Check the commits and you see what you are missing when you never update the kernal.

https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Linux-K ... Ter-v5.15/

Looks like it may be worth updating, cheers.

[FPGA64]

yes because if you dont then you may raise issues on a linux based problem thats already been solved.

[dshadoff]

The linux part isn’t frequently updated, and generally has good reason when it is.
Also, it’s part of the distribution that is expected to be installed by anybody trying to help if/when an issue is being discussed, so, yes I’d say it’s important.

It’s not clear why this question is even being asked, so maybe if that was explained there would be more detailed responses.

[Asteld]

Yes. Not updating the kernel leaves you more vulnerable to exploits so that is bad for your system's security. That being said, the MiSTer is horribly insecure through its default configuration anyway, so you're likely not being that much worse off.

Just treat it like any other gaming / media / IoT device and accept that your home network is most likely filled with security vulnerabilities.

It is absolutely fine if you use the MiSTer without any network connection.

Functionality wise, not updating the Linux side might leave you unable to use certain devices or other features that MiSTer relies on. In that case, just update if you run into trouble.

[RealLarry]

Yes. Not updating the kernel leaves you more vulnerable to exploits so that is bad for your system's security. That being said, the MiSTer is horribly insecure through its default configuration anyway, so you're likely not being that much worse off.

Just treat it like any other gaming / media / IoT device and accept that your home network is most likely filled with security vulnerabilities.

It is absolutely fine if you use the MiSTer without any network connection.

Functionality wise, not updating the Linux side might leave you unable to use certain devices or other features that MiSTer relies on. In that case, just update if you run into trouble.

I also love to have a well-maintained system. Nevertheless, I must disagree with you.
Yes, the used Kernel might be insecure in some way, but what to lose? And from where and by whom? There aren't those small Russians and Chinese spy's out there who are waiting to hijack your MiSTer. Nobody is connecting his MiSTer directly to the internet. And the remaining risks are the remaining devices on one's network, ie. Windows.
Honestly, who still uses Windows and why?

[FPGA64]

Yes. Not updating the kernel leaves you more vulnerable to exploits so that is bad for your system's security. That being said, the MiSTer is horribly insecure through its default configuration anyway, so you're likely not being that much worse off.

Just treat it like any other gaming / media / IoT device and accept that your home network is most likely filled with security vulnerabilities.

It is absolutely fine if you use the MiSTer without any network connection.

Functionality wise, not updating the Linux side might leave you unable to use certain devices or other features that MiSTer relies on. In that case, just update if you run into trouble.

Problem is people will rush to the boards saying Core X is broken when what really happened is they are reporting an underlying linux fault. Always keep Linux /Mister main up to date. There is simply no reason not to.