Linux Kernel 6.2 Unleashes Unmatched Intel Arc Graphics Support!
A set of significant enhancements focused on hardware, performance, and security are included in the latest release of the Linux kernel.
The latest release comes with several exciting updates, including a notable Nouveau driver upgrade, built-in backing for Intel Arch Graphics, compatibility with Sony PlayStation Controllers, and various other promising features.
Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, has declared the release of Linux kernel 6.2 on the Linux kernel developer mailing list (LKML) and has encouraged individuals to test it out. He acknowledged “Maybe it’s not a sexy LTS release like 6.1 ended up being, but all those regular pedestrian kernels want some test love too.”
“Discover the Latest and Greatest Features of Linux Kernel 6.2: What’s New?”
Linux Kernel 6.2 includes several significant updates, among which are:
- Introduction of a Compute Accelerator Subsystem.
- Inclusion of built-in support for Intel Arc Graphics.
- A significant update to the Nouveau driver.
- Added compatibility for Sony PlayStation Controllers.
Phoronix reports that Call Depth Tracking, a new feature added to Linux 6.2, provides a more cost-effective solution for mitigating the Retbleed CPU speculative execution vulnerability on older Intel Skylake CPUs compared to the Indirect Branch Restricted Speculation (IBRS) mitigation. This feature is expected to improve the performance of these CPUs.
Additionally, the latest Linux kernel version is the first to introduce mainline support for Apple M1 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips, which was made possible by the contributions of Asahi Linux’s developers. However, as this support is still in its early stages, those seeking the best possible Linux experience on Apple Silicon are advised to continue using Asahi Linux kernel builds.
The latest update to the NTFS3 kernel driver introduces several new options. The hidedotfiles option can now be used to hide files when viewed on Windows. Additionally, the new nocase option allows case-insensitive folders and files to be enabled, while the windows_names option prevents the naming of files and folders with names that are not permitted on Windows.
The source code for Linux 6.2 is currently available for download, allowing users to manually compile and install it.
As a fixed-release distribution, Ubuntu does not offer new kernel releases as software updates for existing releases. Nevertheless, users of Ubuntu-based distributions can install Linux 6.2 through Canonical’s mainline repository. However, it is important to note that mainline builds are not subjected to any testing or quality checks, do not include any support and may contain bugs or issues. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them unless you are willing to accept the potential risks that come with them.
For those who are willing to take the risk and know what they are doing, the latest Linux kernel can be downloaded from the Linux Kernel Archives website. The kernel can be obtained in the form of a tarball, which can be used to test and experiment with the latest kernel version. However, it is important to note that downloading and installing the kernel from an unofficial source carries risks and is not recommended for novice users.
Vector image credits – Image by vectorjuice on Freepik
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