Linux Kernel 3.6 Tracking

Linux 3.6 has now been released. For details, read "What's new in Linux 3.6".

Previous coverage of the development of Linux 3.6 is listed below:

• Kernel Log: Development of Linux 3.6 under way
  The kernel developers have added the VFIO userspace driver framework and a hybrid standby option to Linux 3.6. The 64-bit ARM code will be called "arm64" after all. The widely used software collection util-linux has been extended to include a range of new tools.

• Kernel Log - Coming in 3.6 (Part 1): Filesystems and storage
  Linux 3.6 introduces quota and backup functions for Btrfs as well as security enhancements for temp directories. New interfaces enable the kernel to be made aware of changes to the sizes of used partitions.

• Kernel Log - Coming in 3.6 (Part 2): Networking
  Smaller buffers are designed to help avoid bufferbloat. "TCP Fast Open" promises to speed up HTTP connections. The netfilter infrastructure can now use userspace programs to help with connection tracking.

• Kernel Log - Coming in 3.6 (Part 3): Architecture
  Linux 3.6 can cut off the power to PCIe chips and ATA ports. A new userspace driver framework is designed to provide faster access to individual PCI/PCIe devices for virtualised systems.
  

• Kernel Log - Coming in 3.6 (Part 4): Drivers
  Developers have improved support for new Apple MacBook laptops. The Radeon driver now supports PCIe 2.0 and the kernel now includes a driver for the Cinergy T Stick Black DVB-T receiver.

• Kernel Log - Coming in 3.6 (Part 5): Infrastructure
  Similarly to current versions of Mac OS X and Windows, Linux is now capable of a hybrid sleep state. The 3.6 kernel also provides improved randomisation and reduces the work load of EFI bootloaders.
  

Further background information about the developments in the Linux kernel area can be found using the search function at The H Open Source. Information about previous Linux kernel releases can be found in The H's Linux Kernel History.