Red Hat begins RHEL 5.3 Beta
Linux company Red Hat has announced the beta release of version 5.3 for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (RHEL) products.
Based on the 2.6.18-120.e15 kernel, the beta version includes server for x86 platforms, 64 bit AMD and Intel, and Systems p and z Itanium Processor for IBM. An update is available, but Red Hat warns this is unreliable regarding system settings, services and custom configurations, and recommends a new installation. Also, attempts to update with separately installed GFS2 kernel modules will result in an error message. The beta test ends in January 2009, when the final release is expected.
Among the improvements are virtualization enhancements with support for up to 126 CPUs in the x86_64 hypervisor and drivers added for use of RHEL as a guest on KVM hypervisors. Cluster improvements include support for GFS2 file systems. Support for Windows Vista and 2008 is provided by Red Hat's rebased Samba 3.0.32.
The release comes with a multitude of new drivers including the updated graphic drivers r400 and r500. The Enterprise Desktop also tests Network Manager 0.7. A detailed description of version 5.3, with instructions on installation and further innovations, can be seen on the release notes web page.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Digital Autonomy
• How the Fediverse Found Parts for Its Platforms
• The Answer Was Already on the Shelf
• Changing the Chip Industry: How Public Investment Has Grown Open Silicon
• United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
• EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
• France Says “Au Revoir” to Microsoft
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
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.
-
It’s Time to Test Fedora 45 Beta
Fedora 45 beta has been released with updated Gnome, KDE Plasma, and kernel.
-
Ubuntu Stonking Stingray Gets Even Rustier
Ubuntu 26.10 has completed its migration to the Rust-based coreutils.
-
AI Fixes Linux Bottlenecks Using “Hideous” Code
A Linux developer used AI to fix bottlenecks that caused problems when building the kernel. The resulting AI-generated code needed a lot of work.