is it good or bad to upgrade kernel for ubuntu? [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Reasons why not to update an Ubuntu version to a newer/older kernel version

I use Ubuntu 11.10. which has kernel 3.2. Now kernel 3.4.1 is available, is it good or bad to upgrade kernel? if it's bad, what are the consequences?

Answer 1

In my personal view,updating your kernel to the latest version from an older version may not be appropriate,as the newer version of the operating system may contain the newest version of the kernel itself.

Updating your kernel will expose new functions which may have changed and as a result,not integrate correct with your operating system.

Answer 2

Generally, upgrading from one minor kernel release to the next won't bring any major differences. There are several reasons to upgrade the kernel. One is to take advantage of a specific new feature or driver; another is to be protected against a security vulnerability, or just to maintain an up-to-date and healthy system.

Even if you choose not to update to every new kernel revision, it is recommended that you at least upgrade from time to time. It is strongly recommended that you immediately upgrade to a new kernel if that new release solves a security problem.

^{Source: Gentoo Linux Kernel Upgrade Guide}

To see the changes for upgrading from 3.2 to 3.4.1, see this site.