So I just created a new Ubuntu 16.04.2 droplet and I figured, hey, lets update to the latest kernel.
So I read online by Googling around that I have to run this:
sudo apt-get install linux-generic-hwe-16.04
Now the problem is that it wants to install some WiFi packages and thermald. I don't know why.
What is the proper way to update the Linux Kernel from 4.4 to 4.8 on Ubuntu Server 16.04.2?
You should be able to run:
apt-get -y install linux-image-4.8.0-41-generic linux-image-extra-4.8.0-41-generic
That said, it still attempts to install wireless drivers, specifically wireless-regdb, as shown in the
crda iw libnl-3-200 libnl-genl-3-200 linux-image-4.8.0-41-generic linux-image-extra-4.8.0-41-generic wireless-regdb
This would be because it's how the package maintainer set it up, would be my guess as it's generic and meant to apply to most situations/needs.
Would it affect the VPS? The VPS doesnt have any wlan devices, so Im guessing it wont do anything.
Correct, it should not be a problem. But it does add a little extra bloat to the installation.
Just make a snapshot of you droplet through the DigitalOcean control panel before doing this major upgrade.
If it's a new droplet, why not install 16.10 instead, since it comes with 4.8.
Otherwise, you'll be running a newer kernel, but older services.