Systemd 198 supports specification for improved multi-boot operation

The now available systemd 198 is the first to include the kernel-install command-line program. The command allows kernels to be installed while complying with the new Boot Loader Specification that is defined at Freedesktop.org. The specification defines a way for multiple distributions to safely reside on a dual- or triple-boot system.

This has repeatedly caused problems in the past. When boot partitions are shared, one distribution's activities can sometimes disrupt the operation of another distribution; with separate boot partitions, the boot configuration scripts occasionally forget to set distribution-specific parameters or boot obsolete kernels that contain known security issues instead of the latest kernel.

Systemd 198 also offers a range of other new features. For example, creating a configuration file such as /etc/systemd/systemd/sshd.service.d/my_extension.conf allows users to extend the unit definition for the SSH service. The systemctl tool now offers a set-cgroup-attr command that enables users to adjust the parameters of the control groups (cgroups) that are used in resource management; systemd creates cgroups for every service. Further new features are described in the systemd 198 announcement.

At this article's time of publication, Freedesktop.org was unavailable and the Boot Loader Specification could not be accessed as a result. It can be read via various web caching services such as Google's.

(fab)