2.6.32 Tracking

Linux Kernel 2.6.32 has now been released. For the full details, read Whats's new in Linux 2.6.32?

Previous coverage of the development of 2.6.32 is listed below:

• Kernel Log - Devtmpfs in 2.6.32, more discussion about DRBD, new stable kernels
  The development of Linux 2.6.32 is in full swing – although the integration of devtmpfs into the main development branch has caused considerable friction. The integration of DRBD, which already seemed certain, is also being debated again. X Server 7.5 is making progress as the developers release the first RC and several new drivers.

• Kernel Log - Main development phase of Linux 2.6.32 completed
  With the first release candidate of Linux 2.6.32, last night, Linus Torvalds completed the main development phase of the next version of Linux on the main development branch. As the kernel hackers already integrate most of a new kernel version's major changes into the source code management system during this phase, called the merge window, 2.6.32-rc1 is already a good indicator of the most important new features due for release with Linux 2.6.32 in early December.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.32 (Part 1) – Network subsystem and network drivers
  The developers had to disable the power saving features in a popular Intel Wi-Fi driver. Additions include drivers for virtual VMware network chips, two new Bluetooth drivers and several mISDN drivers.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.32 (Part 2) - Graphics
  Linux 2.6.32 will offer 3D support for Radeon's series 2000, 3000 and 4000 graphics cards. The Intel graphics drivers have been extended to support further power saving techniques and are now said to run considerably more smoothly, especially with old motherboard chip-sets.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.32 (Part 3) - Storage
  The kernel development team have enhanced various aspects of Btrfs, one effect of which is to significantly improve the experimental file system's write performance. A number of changes to the block layer promise better data throughput and reactivity. There are also several new drivers for storage hardware.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.32 (Part 4) - Drivers
  The forthcoming Linux version 2.6.32 comes with numerous new and improved drivers – for instance for the Hauppauge HVR 2200 and 2250, for some Thinkpad notebooks by IBM/Lenovo, and for the MSI Wind's fingerprint reader. The kernel developers have incorporated Microsoft's Hyper-V driver into the staging area.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.32 (Part 5) - Architecture code, memory management, virtualisation and tracing
  The forthcoming kernel version will support Intel's Moorestown platform, the related SFI alternative to ACPI, and the Trusted Execution Technology, which used to be called "LaGrande Technology". If required, the new KSM can now reduce memory loads by combining identical memory content in virtual machines. The new kernel also includes Timechart, a new tool for visualising what's going on in the system and kernel.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.32 (Part 6): Infrastructure
  Devtmpfs, aka 'devfs 2.0' to its detractors, should allow the Linux kernel to start faster and run without udev. Support has been added for ACPI 4.0 and there are two new make targets which generate kernel configurations attuned to the running system. Changes to the power management subsystem increase data throughput and allow better use of runtime power saving features on modern I/O devices.