This Week in Linux 278: Linux 6.11, GNOME 47, Microsoft kernel mode changes, Zorin OS, & more Linux news
Sep 21, 2024
Coverage of the Linux 6.11 release with hardware and architecture updates. A look at GNOME 47’s UI polish and small-screen improvements. Discussion of Microsoft’s kernel mode changes and potential effects on Linux gaming. Rundown of new distro releases like Zorin OS 17.2, MX Linux 23.4, and Fedora 41 beta. News about Steam Deck support being removed for GTA Online.
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Linux 6.11 Hardware And Performance Gains
- Linux 6.11 brings broad hardware and performance improvements across AMD, Intel, ARM64 and RISC-V platforms.
- Key gains include AMD core performance controls, AES-GCM speedups up to 160%, and RISC-V memory hot-plugging support.
GNOME 47: Polish, Performance, And UX
- GNOME 47 focuses on polish: accent colors, small-screen tweaks, hardware-accelerated screencasting, and improved file dialogs.
- The release improves rendering on legacy/mobile hardware and adds persistent remote desktop sessions and Epiphany enhancements.
Microsoft Kernel Changes Aren't A Clear Win
- Microsoft's statement about moving security capabilities 'outside of kernel mode' does not promise removing kernel-mode functionality.
- Michael Tunnell warns such changes may have minimal or uncertain benefit for Linux gaming and could even harm compatibility if implemented via proprietary APIs.