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#linuxkernel

3 posts3 participants1 post today

Media even without AI manages to deliberately or accidentally misinform us all the time[1]. The screenshotted article below is an example of this, as #Linux (the #Kernel) as of now still supports 486-style CPUs.

So let me repeat[2]:

Patches to remove 486-style CPUs support were discussed[3], but were not merged for #LinuxKernel 6.15. They are not even yet queued for 6.16, the version currently in development. But a developer likely will submit them[4] – then it's up to Linus if he will merge them immediately for 6.16 or let them wait till 6.17 to ensure they are tested in -next for a while, as bigger kernel changes are supposed to.

[1] See also: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gell-Man

[2] hachyderm.io/@kernellogger/114

[3] lore.kernel.org/lkml/202505150

[4] lore.kernel.org/lkml/aCX9iN5Bx

A option to optimize the code for the local CPU was merged for #Linux 6.16:

git.kernel.org/torvalds/c/ea1d

To quote: '"Add a 'native' option that allows users to build an optimized kernel for their local machine (i.e. the machine which is used to build the kernel) by passing '-march=native' to CFLAGS.

The idea comes from Linus' reply to Arnd's initial proposal:

lore.kernel.org/all/CAHk-=wji1

Here are some numbers comparing 'generic' to 'native' on a Skylake dual-core laptop (generic --> native) […]
There is little difference both in terms of size and of performance, however
the native build comes out on top ever so slightly [3 % in some cases]."'

Note, the author tried in on a different machine later, and there it made no real difference:

lore.kernel.org/all/b67fad41-3

Support for 486-style CPUs is scheduled to be removed from #Linux according to lots of news sites. But the truth is that the relevant #kernel patches haven't even reached -next yet.

But yes, it likely will be removed. If for #LinuxKernel 6.16 or a later version remains to be seen.

Today things progressed again somewhat, as the second version of the removal patches were posted for review:

[PATCH -v2 0/15] x86: Remove support for TSC-less and CX8-less CPUs – lore.kernel.org/lkml/202505150

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

KDE discontinues Plasma LTS releases, reduces feature update to 2 in a year instead of 3, offers extended bug-fix support period:
news.itsfoss.com/kde-plasma-lt
(Well done, KDE! In my experience, the biggest issue with Plasma has always been the amount of annoying bugs and crashes, which kind of negated the experience for me, despite the cool extra features and the extensive customization options. However, this new strategy might pay off in the long term, and make Plasma a more stable experience.)

4MLinux 48.0 released with Linux kernel 6.12, updated packages, Kino (classic IEEE 1394 DV video editor) preinstalled, VVenC encoder:
betanews.com/2025/04/28/overco

Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE) R14.1.4 released with emoji support, support for Ubuntu 25.04 and Fedora 43, tab support in KPDF document viewer, support for clickable links in calendar events, new wallpapers and color themes etc.:
9to5linux.com/trinity-desktop-

Tails 6.15 released with updated Linux kernel and Tor Browser, various bug and security fixes:
alternativeto.net/news/2025/5/

Linux kernel 6.15 RC4 released with various enhancements, bug fixes:
ostechnix.com/linux-kernel-6-1

OpenSUSE Tumbleweed update includes Linux kernel 6.14, post-quantum resistant OpenSSH, updated packages:
alternativeto.net/news/2025/5/

Ubuntu 24.04 is now compatible with Qualcomm DragonWing processors:
omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/ubuntu

(FOSS news in comment)

It's FOSS News · KDE Plasma LTS Releases Are Dead 💀The LTS releases of KDE Plasma are no more.