Linux 2.6.28-rc8 Kernel Released

It's been eight days since the release of Linux 2.6.28-rc7, but the eighth release candidate for this new kernel is now available. Linus Torvalds notes that this release contains a variety of small changes, but in particular there is quite a bit of kernel work related to the introduction of the Graphics Execution Manager with the Intel graphics driver now having its memory management done within the kernel.

Linus is deciding whether to hold off on releasing the final Linux 2.6.28 kernel in the coming days or wait until the holidays are over. If the 2.6.28 kernel is released soon, the Linux 2.6.29 kernel will have an extended merge window to compensate for developers being away from their computers around the holidays. Whatever the decision ends up being, the 2.6.29 release should be particularly interesting as kernel-based mode-setting will finally enter the mainline Linux kernel.

The release announcement concerning the Linux 2.6.28-rc8 kernel can be read at LKML.org.