Linux Kernel 6.18.4 and 6.12.64 released
The latest Linux Kernel release, version 6.18.4, is just the latest step forward in this open-source operating system's ongoing evolution. It brings heaps of updates and fixes from developers across different areas you might think about.
One noticeable tweak was rolling back a prior change linked to GPIO lookup processing. This happened because that old update caused trouble for some laptops, specifically models like the Dell XPS13, which rely on label-based lookups. Honestly, no one came up with an immediate solution for the problems it introduced, so ditching it was probably the best bet to keep things stable and avoid potential headaches down the line.
Elsewhere, there's solid work aimed at tackling tricky memory issues in key parts of the system. The focus seems to be on making sure everything is cleaned up properly even when memory allocation fails, preventing weird crashes or data loss scenarios where a sloppy cleanup could lead to accessing garbage. This kind of rigorous attention to detail helps keep things reliable.
Then there's some driver work, especially for VFIO/PCI, resolving problems with certain device access techniques. Basically, they're bringing back older methods that did the job right while replacing ones that caused grief. Think less about fancy new features and more about just preventing crashes; it makes sense because users hate seeing their hardware die on them.
And speaking of making things work better, there's refinement happening inside critical functions dealing with BPF program entry points. These adjustments aim to ensure accuracy when handling these parts correctly or incorrectly. Messing up here could absolutely cause system instability or crashes, so preventing that is key.
Finally, this version adds support for Intel’s RAPL interface on specific processors. It's a good thing because it means the kernel can now play nicely with newer hardware from one of the big players in computing. This isn’t just about being compatible; it opens doors to power management and efficiency features right there in the system, useful stuff, particularly if you're running demanding applications or working on complex setups where knowing exactly what your machine does matters a lot.
Linux kernel 6.18.4 released
Linux kernel version 6.18.4 is now available:
Full source: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.18.4.tar.xz
Patch: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/patch-6.18.4.xz
PGP Signature: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.18.4.tar.sign
You can view the summary of the changes at the following URL:
https://git.kernel.org/stable/ds/v6.18.4/v6.18.3
A new LTS kernel is also available:
Linux kernel 6.12.64 released
Linux kernel version 6.12.64 is now available:
Full source: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.12.64.tar.xz
Patch: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/patch-6.12.64.xz
PGP Signature: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.12.64.tar.sign
You can view the summary of the changes at the following URL:
https://git.kernel.org/stable/ds/v6.12.64/v6.12.63
