Linux 3.9-rc7 Might Fix A Rare 32-bit PAE Bug

Linus Torvalds has announced the release of the Linux 3.9-rc7 kernel with the final release of the Linux 3.9 kernel likely being imminent.

Torvalds announced the 3.9-rc7 kernel release on Sunday evening. The most prominent change that he mentions is a rare issue affecting only 32-bit PAE systems that came down to a "rather subtle TLB invalidate bug." As it affects end-users, this bug might be why some Google Chrome users have experienced bad page-table bugs. Linus believes the problem is quite rare.

Aside from the PAE bug-fix, there's a variety of other small fixes throughout the open-source kernel as well.

Torvalds didn't provide any new update on when he plans to release Linux 3.9, but last week he mentioned it should be here in about two weeks -- or about one week from now.

For those unfamiliar with the features and changes being presented by the Linux 3.9 kernel, read Top Features For The Linux 3.9 Kernel.