X.org: Flicker-Free Boot by Migrating Mode Settings
The X.org developers are working on moving a less prominent component from userspace to kernel space: mode setting controls.
In contrast to the trend of migrating functions from kernel to userspace, some X.org developers are working on moving mode setting controls into the kernel. This approach will lead to improved, flicker-free boot behavior among other things. The mode settings code is responsible for changing to and returning from suspend state and for the change to and from the graphical interface on the virtual terminal. These changes will benefit most from migrating the code. The ugly switch between different resolution modes will disappear, avoiding driver-specific freezes at the same time.
The drawback with the new mode settings is that they are currently only available for Intel's GMA 915 graphics chipset – the manufacturer took an active role in development. However, work is in progress on kernel space drivers for ATI Radeon chips.
More drivers may be added before the new feature makes the kernel. The developers have not yet introduced the mode settings code to the mainline kernel, and do not anticipate doing so before the end of the Linux 2.6.26 merge window. The next kernel 2.6.27 seems a more reasonable target. Interested users can still grab a sneak preview of the new feature; the next generation of Fedora Core 9 will include the Intel kernel space driver.
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
-
Red Hat Releases RHEL 10 Early
Red Hat quietly rolled out the official release of RHEL 10.0 a bit early.
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
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.