On Wed, 2009-11-18 at 09:46 -0700, Michael Torrie wrote: > But even on linux, a kernel update requires a reboot. Often the kernel > update is critical because of a local exploit that it fixes. Why do we > have to reboot just to patch a kernel? Sure it sounds complicated to > patch a running kernel, but if I recall there were systems in the 70s > that could do this. There must be mechanisms that could be used to > facilitate this in modern Linux kernels.
It is possible. Over the last decade, I've seen several approaches attempted, but none has really achieved widespread use. Perhaps because the idea is too scary? Perhaps because no one cares enough? At least in part, I know MS is sitting on some patents even they obviously aren't using them themselves. The most recent example is Ksplice, which might stand a chance if it can escape its single vendor status. http://www.ksplice.com/ http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/ -- "XML is like violence: if it doesn't solve your problem, you aren't using enough of it." - Chris Maden /* PLUG: http://plug.org, #utah on irc.freenode.net Unsubscribe: http://plug.org/mailman/options/plug Don't fear the penguin. */
