Linux 7.0-rc3 has just been released, marking another step toward the stable Linux 7.0, which is set to launch mid-April. This weekly test candidate has a mix of bug fixes and exciting enhancements.
Key updates include a performance fix addressing a major regression, improved hardware support for Dell, ASUS, OneXPlayer, and Lenovo through various x86 platform drivers, and a notable 1.5% boost in network performance for AMD Zen 2 CPUs. Battery reporting for the Apple Magic Trackpad 2 has been corrected, and there’s now heightened security for AMD SEV-SNP guest VMs with the IBPB-On-Entry feature. This new security measure is particularly relevant for the latest AMD EPYC Zen 5 processors.
Last week, Linus Torvalds expressed concern about the size of the previous release candidate, rc2. In his usual candid style, he noted that rc3 is even larger. While he’s not overly worried, he pointed out that a significant portion of the updates consists of self-tests, which is common at this stage. Many entries are minor tweaks or additions, but the sheer volume is unusual for this point in the release cycle.
One factor contributing to this increased activity may be the extended timeline from the earlier 6.19 release. Despite the busyness, Torvalds emphasizes that most of the changes are manageable and asks developers to continue testing the build.
As Linux 7.0 continues to evolve, it will be the default kernel for distributions like Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and Fedora 44. The growing community and increased collaboration underline a positive trend in Linux development, as it adapts to new hardware and security needs.
In a landscape where open-source software is vital, the ongoing improvements in Linux not only help developers but also drive innovation across the tech industry. According to a recent survey by Stack Overflow, around 27% of professional developers use Linux as their primary operating system, highlighting its importance in modern computing.
For more updates and detailed information, you can check the official release announcements here.
Source link
Phoronix, Linux Hardware Reviews, Linux hardware benchmarks, Linux server benchmarks, Linux benchmarking, Desktop Linux, Linux performance, Open Source graphics, Linux How To, Ubuntu benchmarks, Ubuntu hardware, Phoronix Test Suite
