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
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.