Linux 3.4 Kernel Boosts Virtualisation

Two months after the release of version 3.3 of the Linux kernel, Linus Torvalds has released Linux 3.4, which includes improvements for graphics drivers, 64-bit computing, security and other areas.

The new kernel includes a number of improvements to Linux’s support for graphics cards, including support for Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 680 and Radeon’s DRM/KMS cards, as well as support for RC6, a power-saving feature for Intel Sandy Bridge processors that contain graphics processing units.

Energy savings

RC6 support can significantly reduce power consumption when a system is idling, and notably could noticeably extend battery life for laptops.

The 64-bit versions of Linux 3.4 now include an X32 application binary interface (ABI), which allows programs to take advantage of 64-bit features while using 32-bit pointers, which use less memory. The feature is thought to be an advantage for mobile devices, allowing them to use 64-bit features without the memory overhead needed for full 64-bit operation.

A new security module called Yama bars processes from examining other processes’ memory.

New virtualisation features include changes to Xen to allow the hypervisor to adjust processor speed or induce a short-term sleep state in the CPU, as well as a new, more scalable virtual SCSI driver.

The performance of the experimental Btrfs filesystem is said to be improved, as well as its error-handling features.

Android re-integration

Torvalds said the process of finalising the release had been free of major difficulties.

“In fact, I think the 3.4 release cycle as a whole has been fairly calm,” he said in a message announcing the release. “On the whole we didn’t have any big disruptive events, which is just how I like it.”

In March Torvalds released Linux 3.3, which included added networking and hardware support and also re-integrated Google’s Android code.

The decision to merge Android back into the mainstream Linux kernel was taken at the Kernel Summit in December of last year, and is expected to be a significant improvement for developers looking to support or build on Google’s Android code base.

Android includes extensions designed particularly for mobile devices and some believed Google’s approach could not be reconciled with that of mainstream kernel developers.

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