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The ~200 Line Linux Kernel Patch That Does Wonders
An anonymous reader writes "There is a relatively miniscule patch to the Linux kernel scheduler being queued up for Linux 2.6.38 that is proving to have dramatic results for those multi-tasking on the desktop. Phoronix is reporting the ~200 line Linux kernel patch that does wonders with before and after videos demonstrating the much-improved responsiveness and interactivity of the Linux desktop. While compiling the Linux kernel with 64 parallel jobs, 1080p video playback was still smooth, windows could be moved fluidly, and there was not nearly as much of a slowdown compared to when this patch was applied. Linus Torvalds has shared his thoughts on this patch: So I think this is firmly one of those 'real improvement' patches. Good job. Group scheduling goes from 'useful for some specific server loads' to 'that's a killer feature.'"
Community firmware on devices with a digitally signed kernel or with oddball hardware for which the community can't figure out how to write a driver: Never.
Community firmware and Google apps (including Market) on the same device: Cease and desist.
Community firmware on devices sold in United States retail stores without a bundled $70/mo phone plan: Give me a break.
Isn't it awesome when a new version of your OS performs *better* than the last one on the same hardware?
Yeah, like how Windows 7 is better than Vista on the same hardware? Or how most versions of OS X since 10.0 have ended up being slightly faster than the previous version on the same hardware?
Oh wait, were you and your "Insightful" moderators trying to say that Linux is the only operating system that has the ability to improve over time? Sorry. Don't mind me. Back to your regularly scheduled zealotry.
Seriously. Steve Jobs apparently does not have a monopoly on the Reality Distortion Field. Be supportive of Linux by all means, but please do so with with valid reasoning.