Linus Torvalds: Kernel 2.6.25-rc1 "Bloody Large"
Linus Torvalds has announced the first release candidate of the new 2.6.25 kernel, codenamed "Bloody Large".
There is a reason for this name: according to Torvalds the kernel includes various new features and wide-ranging changes to basic functionality. The modifications affect some 1.4 million lines of code, and the diff file weighs in at 11MB. According to Torvald’s research most changes affect architecture and drivers.
In his mail to the kernel mailing list Torvalds explains the extent of the modifications with the backlog of work that built up during the kernel 2.6.24 phase, and which is now filtering through to the new version. An detailed changelog is available; the patch is available from Kernel.org.
To be more specifc, the graphic’s drivers for Intel cards now have native support for suspend and resume – with or without X support. This change will help many laptop users, including Torvalds himself as he remarked. Device access order in general suspend/resume cases has also been changed. The modifications also affect users who do not have Intel graphics adapters. After merging the 32 bit and 64 bit architecture branches there was some cleaning up to complete. Additionally, kernel 2.6.25-rc1 includes changes to legacy IDENTITY drivers, and new drivers for Intel e1000 network cards that use the PCI Express port.
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.