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Linus Torvalds not too long ago introduced the discharge of Linux kernel 6.8, the most recent secure model of the Linux kernel. This replace brings a plethora of recent options and enhancements, making it a big improve for a lot of customers.
Key Highlights of Linux Kernel 6.8
Virtualization Enhancements: Kernel 6.8 introduces LAM (Linear Deal with Masking) virtualization on Intel processors for KVM company and guest-first reminiscence help for KVM, bettering virtualization efficiency and suppleness.
Filesystem Assist: The replace expands filesystem help with a fundamental on-line test and restore mechanism for Bcachefs. It additionally permits on-line fsck checks with out unmounting for XFS, sooner reads for small blocks for Ext4, new mount flag to disable the free block cache and use of web page folios for Btrfs, subpage compression and low-memory efficiency enhancements for EROFS, and SMB file system positive aspects block and symbolic gadget information creation for SMB.
{Hardware} Compatibility: This kernel boasts improved {hardware} compatibility with help for the Broadcom BCM2712 processor in Raspberry Pi 5, AMD’s WBRF Wi-Fi characteristic, and Intel’s Xe graphics with a brand new DRM driver.
Reminiscence Administration: Kernel 6.8 optimizes reminiscence administration with zswap writeback disabling and a multi-size THP (Clear Enormous Pages) interface. It additionally introduces preliminary Rust help for the LoongArch structure.
Networking Optimizations: The replace consists of varied networking optimizations for higher cache effectivity and help for the SMB file system to create particular information. Moreover, there’s preliminary Rust help for creating community PHY drivers.
Energy Administration: Kernel 6.8 refines energy administration with help for SBI-based droop to RAM and enabling the V extension for RISC-V structure.
AppArmor Enhancements: Linux kernel 6.8 upgrades AppArmor’s safety by switching from the insecure SHA1 hashing algorithm to the stronger SHA256. This improves reliability however might barely decelerate coverage loading on low-end methods.
Securing Linux Kernel with KernelCare Dwell Patching
Kernel is the core part of Linux working methods, controlling entry to {hardware} and managing all different packages. Due to this fact, sustaining the kernel safety is paramount. TuxCare’s KernelCare Enterprise gives dwell patching for Linux kernels on all in style distributions, together with Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, RHEL, Oracle Linux, CloudLinux, and extra. It routinely applies safety patches to the working kernel with out having to reboot the system or schedule upkeep home windows.
Ask a query to our Linux safety consultants and get steerage on modernizing your Linux patching strategy.
Conclusion
It’s necessary to notice that Linux kernel 6.8 could have a brief help window of just some months. Its successor, Linux kernel 6.9, is already in growth with its merge window opened. It’s anticipated to be launched in mid-Could 2024. In case you’re wanting to strive the brand new options and enhancements in Linux kernel 6.8, you’ll be able to obtain it now from Linus Torvalds’ git tree or the kernel.org web site. Bear in mind to test your distribution’s documentation for particular set up directions.
The sources for this text embody a narrative from Phoronix.
The submit Linux Kernel 6.8 Launched: New Options and {Hardware} Assist appeared first on TuxCare.
*** This can be a Safety Bloggers Community syndicated weblog from TuxCare authored by Rohan Timalsina. Learn the unique submit at: https://tuxcare.com/weblog/linux-kernel-6-8-released-new-features-and-hardware-support/
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