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
-
Fedora 41 Released with New Features
If you're a Fedora fan or just looking for a Linux distribution to help you migrate from Windows, Fedora 41 might be just the ticket.
-
AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 Gives Power Users a Sneak Preview
If you're looking to kick the tires of AlmaLinux's upstream version, the developers have a purrfect solution.
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.