The package name kernel-image-2.4.18-1-386 doesn't tell you the full story about the kernel package's version number. The version number you've already got is probably something like 2.4.18-8, and the version number apt is trying to install probably 2.4.18-12.1. The "2.4.18" tells you which Linux kernel version it is, the "1-386" tells you something about the compile-time options the Debian folks used for this image, and the change from "8" to "12.1" relates to a patch Debian is distributing to fix some (probably security-related) bug in the kernel.
Therefore, I'd suggest that it's a good idea to go ahead with the upgrade of the kernel, to get the improved security. Best practice is probably to do like the warning says, and make a back-up of the old modules directory, although I usually just go ahead with the upgrade without this back-up.
On Fri, 16 Jan 2004 12:10:35 +0000 Nick Heppleston nickheppleston@gmx.co.uk wrote:
Hope you can help. Started playing with Debian after deciding it was time I got upto speed with it. I've just gone for an 'apt-get update' and 'apt-get upgrade' and received the following warning (see below).
Could anyone help decipher it for me. As far as I can see i'm running kernel 2.4.18-1-386 already, so how come the apt-get upgrade command wants to upgrade my kernel to the current version?