NetBSD 5.0 Better on Multi-CPU Systems
The NetBSD project has released version 5.0 of its free UNIX derivative. The release above all improves performance and scalability on multiprocessor and multicore systems.
Multithreading applications can use more CPUs and processor cores more efficiently with the new NetBSD. Developers have reworked the threading subsystem, brought kernel synchronization to a better footing, and rewrote the scheduler and its real-time extensions. New support for processor sets (psets), cpusets and thread affinity allows for binding processes or threads to specific CPUs or CPU groupings.
Enhancements to NetBSD 5.0 include Power Management Framework (PMF) and ACPI suspend/resume support for a range of laptops. Also included are write support for UDF filesystems and a preview of metadata journaling for FFS filesystems (known as Write Ahead Physical Block Logging, or WAPBL).
The project release notes contain a full list of changes, as does the changelog. NetBSD 5.0 is available for download as source code and binaries at various mirrors over FTP, bittorent and other protocols.
The NetBSD Foundation is running a funding drive to help finance its next version 6.0. The foundation reports that most of the 2007 donations went into improving the multiprocessor system.
Issue 18: Free From XP/Special Editions
Buy this issue as a PDF
Tag Cloud
News
-
Password Management Services Vulnerable to Attack
Should you trust an online service to store your online passwords?
-
New Raspberry Pi Adds Two USB Ports
New B+ board lets you build cool things without the complication of a powered USB hub.
-
Microsoft Grabs No-IP.com Domains
Redmond rushes in to root out alleged malware haven.
-
Firefox Steps into 3D
New initiative will bring futuristic virtual reality effects to the web surfing experience.
-
New Trojan Targets Online Banking
Dyreza malware launches a man-in-the-middle attack that compromises SSL.
-
HP Rolls Out Massive Cloud Network
New cloud combines worldwide access with local attention to data security.
-
New Attack Targets Wireless Logins
A first cousin of the recent Heartbleed attack affects EAP-based wireless and peer-to-peer authentication.
-
Geeks Petition for Free Lenovo BIOS
FOSS community acts to protect freedom of choice for laptop devices.
-
Firefox Says Yes to DRM
Quintessential open source browser shores up its market share with a step toward the proprietary dark side.
-
Webcam Hijackers Busted
Authorities in 16 countries take action against users of the imfamous BlackShades malware tool.