Kernel package compatibility

Unlike Windows' ABI upward compatibility policy, in Linux, certain versions of Linux kernel packages are generally not compatible with higher kernel versions. Because new features and improvements are incompatible with each kernel version, installing kernel packages from older versions may cause compatibility issues. Even if the package is accidentally installed on a higher version kernel, serious problems such as kernel panic may occur during operation.

Likewise, unless specifically specified, bsr does not guarantee compatibility of lower version packages with higher kernels, and must be installed as a dedicated version of the bsr package built for a specific kernel version.