When we talk about Linux development, we must mainly differentiate between two parts. On the one hand we have the distributions, each of which has its own development with its packages, improvements and new features, and on the other hand , the Linux kernel, or kernel. The latter is the most important part, which is adopted by all distributions, and is responsible for ensuring that everything works correctly. If we want to be able to enjoy the new improvements and features of this operating system, it is necessary to always install the latest version of the Kernel. And, right now, this is 5.10.
If there are no problems, the new Linux kernel 5.10 should reach all users this Sunday, December 13, 2020. As soon as this Linux kernel reaches the stable phase, the development of version 5.11 of it will begin, of which, for now, nothing is known. Anyway, before looking to the future, let’s see what are the best features that we will find in this new version of Linux.
We can download the latest version of Linux for free from the following link .
The Linux kernel, more secure than ever
This new version 5.10 comes, among other things, with a significant number of changes, improvements and corrections related to security. In addition to possible vulnerabilities that may have been discovered in previous versions, this version protects users from DMA attacks via PCI Express devices, as well as nosymfollow calls. It also includes a new “static_call ()” call to protect users affected by Retpolines vulnerabilities in their processors.
Support for the latest hardware
Most of the Linux code is drivers. And the arrival of this new version was not going to be less. The kernel developers have worked hard to make this release compatible with the newer Intel Rocket Lake, Alder Lake and even Meteor Lake processors. Support for current processors, such as AMD Zen 3, now control temperature better, and Ryzen 5000 performance is improved when using all cores.
Graphics acceleration improvements
Graphics is probably one of the weakest pillars of Linux. Fortunately, little by little this is being reinforced thanks to the collaborations of the community. This new version improves the performance and stability of Intel’s Gen12 / Xe graphics, as well as AMDGPUs. The support for Vulkan is also improved, which, in addition, begins to be compatible (and with very good results) with the Raspberry Pi 4.
Support for Nintendo Switch controllers
The new Kernel 5.10 continues to show that it is capable of making practically any peripheral that we put before it work. Thanks to the new Nintendo HID driver , it is now possible to connect and use the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller, both via USB and Bluetooth. In addition, both the vibration and the gyroscope of the controls also work, so we can make use of all its features without problems.
The file system will function for almost 500 years
Were you worried about what would happen to your data after the year 2038, after the new “effect 2000” that would affect Linux file systems? No need to worry. Little by little, all the file systems are updated to ensure that nothing happens with this data. The new Linux 5.10 updates the XFS file system so that data doesn’t have problems again until the year 2486. If you’re going to live until then, then you may still be worried.