The Linux Kernel just received its major update

Linus Torvalds has announced the availability of the Linux 5.16 kernel where it always announces it: the Linux kernel mailing list. So what's new? Linux 5.16 introduces a new kernel system called FUTEX2 or futex [1] _waitv () .

Thanks to the contribution of partners such as Collabora [2], this feature could help improve the gaming experience on existing Linux ports, but more importantly, it also applies to Windows games running via Wine. This feature allows games to wait for multiple ‘futexes’ with a single system call, which should help reduce CPU utilization and increase FPS for many games.

Additionally, file system health reporting is gaining momentum thanks to a new fanotify-based API [3], although only the EXT4 file system is currently supported. This setting improves the daemon [4] for monitoring the 'health' of the system by reporting only the first error that has occurred since the last error notification, and then leading to the number of additional errors.

Each kernel update improves graphics support, and version 5.16 is no exception as it offers DisplayPort 2.0 for AMD GPU driver for the next generation of cards that advertise it. Further support for DG2 / Alchemist graphics and, in this regard, stable support for Intel Alder Lake S graphics (ie DG1).

Other significant changes include:

• Support for Intel AMX instructions
• Task scheduler for CPU 'clusters [5] ' that share L2 / L3 cache
• 'Memory Folio' memory management feature
• Proactive memory recovery based on DAEMON [6]
• Improved write congestion management

Linux 5.16 offers help for Nintendo Joy-Con and Nintendo Pro controllers. Correction of the 2021 Apple Magic console and the new Realtek 802.11ax driver has been made. Support for Microsoft's Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 has additionally been improved.

The side buttons of the Xiaomi Mi remote mouse should now function as planned, just as the DualSense LED on the Playstation 5 controllers (the full driver has been included in Linux 5.12). Wacom's Intuos tablets are getting new upgrades, and Nitrokeys, which are additionally getting the most recent FIDO U2F improved, are not missing either [7]. There are numerous other record framework refreshes, bit settings, driver additions, and network enhancements.

Linux 5.16 is free open-source software. Distributions with new deliveries (just as those with quicker kernel releases - like Pop! _OS) will deliver this update. Stable Branches distributions will shift. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z6lo8TEUC4

Downloading Linux 5.16

As currently referenced, Linux 5.16 is free open-source software. You can download the most recent version from the website kernel.org. Distributions with new releases (just as those with quicker kernel releases, like Pop! _OS) will deliver Linux 5.16 as an update before long. Distributions with fixed releases like Ubuntu vary. They don't normally pack each piece edition. Most offer an approach to effortlessly install the primary line kernel, however, this is with next to no authority support or stability confirmation - ie not recommended.

[1] In registering, futex (another way to say "quick user space mutex ") is a kernel system call that developers can use to execute fundamental locking or as a structure block for more elevated level locking abstractions, for example, traffic lights and POSIX mutexes or conditional variables.

[2] Collabora Online is an open-source office suite that can be coordinated into any web application and was created by Collabora Productivity - a division of Collabora.

[3] Fanotify is a document access notification system incorporated into numerous normal Linux kernels. This permits Sophos Anti-Virus to check files for access and, blocks access to threats.

[4] A background process that processes requests for administrations, for example, spooling of printouts (sending information planned for printing or handling on a peripheral device) and file move and is inactive when not required.

[5] A PC cluster is a bunch of firmly associated PCs that cooperate so they can be considered to be a single PC.

[6] A daemon is a program whose intention is to accomplish something behind the scenes, whether or not the client is signed on to a PC.

[7] Universal 2nd Factor is an open standard that reinforces and works on two-factor confirmation utilizing a specific Universal Serial Bus or close specialized gadgets in light of comparable security innovation found in smart cards.