Free X.org Server 1.8.0 with udev to Replace HAL
The X.org project's X server uses udev instead of HAL on Linux and introduces a configuration directory.
Keith Packard, responsible for graphics support at Intel, announced the new version of the X server on the xorg-announce mailing list. He describes the move to udev as a massive change: the X server gives preference to udev over HAL as a device manager if it finds the libudev library in the system. Part of the library is the 10-evdev.conf configuration file from which udev draws the data to load the X driver as the input device.
The configuration file finds its place in version 1.8.0 in the new xorg.conf.d configuration directory, which Packard indicates as the second significant change in the X.org server. The new directory makes it easier to use the many small device configurations instead of the large single file that was difficult to programmatically edit. Since the release, however, many questions have arisen as to the choice of where to put this configuration data that has not been cleared up (see the thread in the mailing list).
The 6.5 MB compressed tar archive is available for download from the x.org website, and the download file also includes the detailed changelog. Explanations for the changes are in Packard's announcement and the blogspot entry from the time of the release candidate in January from developer Peter Hutterer.
The X server 1.9 and the complete X.org window system 7.6 should be available around October, based on recent discussion.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.