Linux Kernel 2.6.8 Released

J ROC writes "According to The Linux Kernel Archives kernel 2.6.8 is now out. It includes some fixes from 2.6.7. Happy upgrading." You may want to read this earlier story and think twice before upgrading.

Comments

Download Size

[RAMMS EIN]

I'm repeating this message from OSNews, which had the story first.

I think Linux is a great kernel, but a 42 MB download is really a bit too much for my liking. Much of that is code for hardware that I don't have or features that I don't want. I am a great advocate of modularity, and I would like to see it applied not only to the compiled kernel, but also to the sources. I am aware that this will add some administrative overhead, but it could save a lot of traffic and CPU time.

Here are some ideas:

- Split the distribution in a base that has the common stuff, and optional add-ons for lesser-used network devices, filesystems, etc. etc.

- Employ a BSD ports like system that downloads the sources on request (i.e. when compilation of some part is requested)

- Distribute only the configuration interface, and download only the parts actually needed based on the configuration selected.

I am too occupied now to come up with a proper proposal, but I hope this will set some people thinking.