received new linux headers update

[ovidiugr]

what are the headers? why do I need such updates? what gets changed? what's the difference? and more specifically, what should I see new in this update?

[SteveRiley]

Which release are you running? What versions of the header files do you have, and what are the newer versions on offer? It's impossible to answer your question without more detail.

[kubicle]

The linux headers are the header files for the linux source...these are only necessary when building kernel modules (some packages/software may do this automagically with dkms), and not needed at runtime.

Header file upgrades are usually associated with linux source and linux image upgrades. Linux source is required to compile the kernel itself, and images are the compiled kernels including packaged modules that you run on your machine.

[Teunis]

There are few few reasons to upgrade software, as part of the operating system headers can also be upgraded.
Reasons such as improved security, including newer drivers or the general advancement of the software.

As long as the offered upgrades are from the regular repositories they should be safe (no unexpected breakage) and secure.
On a Kubuntu release you will typically see 3 or 4 kernel upgrades per year, as kubicle explained the headers might be part of such.

Unless you are using your system for something really out of the ordinary I would upgrade whenever and as soon as they become available.
In case you do out of the ordinary operations it is wise (and common) to have a second and identical system to first test upgrades before committing them to the 'production' system.

[ovidiugr]

I'm running Kubuntu 13.10, but I still don't know what I should effectively "see" if I can see anything at all. any visible change?

[richb]

You may effectively "see"nothing. Often kernel changes correct somewhat arcane bugs or support new hardware.

[ovidiugr]

You may effectively "see"nothing. Often kernel changes correct somewhat arcane bugs or support new hardware.

so for example if my TV output modes weren't detected correctly, a change in headers can fix this?

[richb]

so for example if my TV output modes weren't detected correctly, a change in headers can fix this?

Possibly. It depends on what fixes were incorporated. You can access changelogs here,
https://www.kernel.org/

[Teunis]

A visible change is typically to (a part of) the Graphical User Interface or GUI.
And even then you might have to select Help and About to read the version number.

Rest assured no developer is going to commit trivial changes, there will be a valid reason to include it in the available packages.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/StableReleaseUpdates

You do have the option to enable the pre- release repositories.

Now, if you really want to stay up to date you can enable the pre-release repositories and some specific Personal Package Archives (PPA's).
http://askubuntu.com/questions/4983/...-do-i-use-them

But they do have a certain risk of breaking the system and then we come here to find a solution.

[richb]

A visible change is typically to (a part of) the Graphical User Interface or GUI.
And even then you might have to select Help and About to read the version number.

Rest assured no developer is going to commit trivial changes, there will be a valid reason to include it in the available packages.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/StableReleaseUpdates

You do have the option to enable the pre- release repositories.

Now, if you really want to stay up to date you can enable the pre-release repositories and some specific Personal Package Archives (PPA's).
http://askubuntu.com/questions/4983/...-do-i-use-them

But they do have a certain risk of breaking the system and then we come here to find a solution.

The OP was specifically asking about kernels.

[Teunis]

@richb
The op did not seem to have any experience or knowledge about the system of updates, as witnessed by his question he did not know about kernels and the bits needed to compile them.
Others had already explained what headers can be used or needed for.
I wanted to fill in a few more gaps in the knowledge of the op or any other reader of this thread.

[richb]

@richb
The op did not seem to have any experience or knowledge about the system of updates, as witnessed by his question he did not know about kernels and the bits needed to compile them.
Others had already explained what headers can be used or needed for.
I wanted to fill in a few more gaps in the knowledge of the op or any other reader of this thread.

Understand. Thanks.