Linux Kernel 2.6.39 Tracking

Linux Kernel 2.6.39 has now been released. For details, read "What's new in Linux 2.6.39".

Previous coverage of the development of 2.6.39 is listed below::

• Kernel Log: Development of 2.6.39 under way, series 33 revived
  Among the additions for kernel version .39 are the Xen network backend, support for ipset, and the rudimentary Poulsbo graphics driver; the kernel hackers have now also completely eradicated the BKL. Greg Kroah-Hartman has taken up maintaining the series 33 kernel again because it is the basis of the real-time branch.

• Kernel Log: First release candidate for Linux 2.6.39
  Torvalds said that he considers 2.6.39 more of a solid version with a boring amount of progress – however, with ipset, the Xen network backend, as well as many new and improved drivers, the new kernel, which is expected to be released in late May or early June, does offer numerous improvements which matter to end users.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.39 (Part 1) - Network drivers and infrastructure
  The addition of ipset support makes it easier to run a firewall, as it means that only one table needs to be modified in order to block a specific IP address. The situation with regard to drivers for WLAN chips continues to improve, with Ralink and Realtek now actively involved in developing the Linux kernel drivers.

• Kernel comment: Perseverance pays off
  Today, there are open source Linux drivers for all major Wi-Fi chips, which was unimaginable five years ago. The constant pressure for open source drivers has thus paid off, and this may also work in other areas in the long term.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.39 (Part 2) – Storage and file systems
  Various internal changes to the block layer that were specifically mentioned by Linus Torvalds are designed to enhance performance and scalability. The Ext4 file system is also said to offer improvements in this respect. Still classified as experimental, Btrfs now offers Batched Discard functionality, and LIO (Linux-Iscsi.org) includes a loop-back function.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.39 (Part 3) - Architecture and infrastructure
  In 2.6.39, the Big Kernel Lock (BKL) disappears for good. The kernel can now process interrupts, which reduces latency. The Xen code now has a network backend needed for Dom0 operation, but it doesn't look like the storage backend will be coming anytime soon.

• Kernel Log: Coming in 2.6.39 (Part 4) - Drivers
  The kernel now supports USB 3.0 hubs, the latest Radeon graphics cards and Intel's previously problematic GMA500 graphics. Other new additions include drivers for notebooks by ASUS and Samsung, and for audio and multimedia hardware from various other vendors.

Older Kernel Logs can be found in the archives or by using the search function at The H Open Source. New editions of Kernel Logs are also mentioned on Identi.ca and Twitter via "@kernellog2". The Kernel Log author also posts updates about various topics on Identi.ca and Twitter via "@kernellogauthor".