The Linux 2.6.32 Kernel Is Near, RC8 Released

Linus Torvalds this afternoon put out the Linux 2.6.32-rc8 kernel release. The Linux 2.6.32 kernel, which brings 3D DRM and KMS support for ATI R600/700 GPUs, new wireless drivers, an improved VIA frame-buffer, and other improvements, is getting ready for release. Linus expects 2.6.32-rc8 to be the last release candidate if all goes according to plan.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States complicating plans for another release candidate and the 2.6.32-rc8 kernel looking to be in modest shape, Linus will likely release the new kernel this month and then open the Linux 2.6.33 kernel merge window after this holiday. The 2.6.32-rc8 release is made up of various bug-fixes and minor changes, but nothing too exciting, as it should be late into this development cycle.

The Linux 2.6.32-rc8 kernel release announcement with 2.6.32 release plans can be read at LKML.org.