The Linux kernel team has been busy developing version 6.2, which is slated for release in late February with an expected eighth release candidate causing a one-week delay.



Testing is currently underway for the sixth release candidate, which addresses bugs relating to networking, CPU/memory, GPU and file system changes. Linux kernel 6.2 builds on the Rust implementation utilized in version 6.1, making it even more practical for users.

Linux kernel 6.2 boasts several new features such as the mitigation option for Retbleed vulnerability via Call Depth Tracking and Intel's SGX Async Exit Notification feature. The split lock detector also includes the ability to disable this feature, ensuring that applications and users who behave badly are no longer punished.

In addition to previous improvements, forthcoming Linux kernel 6.2 will include updates to the In-Field Scan feature from Intel, which was previously introduced in version 5.19 with known issues but have since been resolved. Furthermore, Apple Silicon CPU frequency scaling driver support will be made available for both M1 and M2 chips.

AMD has also provided patches for its Genoa processors, including automatic IBRS feature for Zen 4 CPUs and refined QoS patches for SMBA with CXL memory. Linux kernel 6.2 also gives support to Arm CoreSight PMU architecture and Nvidia variation.

Lastly, updates to the drm-intel-gt-next driver for memory management improvements and Intel's refactoring of the display code in the drm-intel-next driver are notable changes brought by the new Linux kernel release.

The Linux kernel has undergone several recent changes, such as replacing DualShock 4 controller support via the hid-sony driver with hid-playstation, and adding initial support for Steam Deck controller interface via hid-steam.

Moreover, the block cipher ARIA has been updated to accommodate AVX2 and AVX-512 instructions on modern processors. However, Linux 6.3 kernel removes support for legacy graphic hardware drivers including ATI Rage 128, 3dfx, VIA, and older Arm drivers. Additionally, the Intel ICC compiler is no longer supported due to low developer interest in maintaining it.

Intel's In-Field Scan feature—it's like a tool that lets you run diagnostic tests on their processors while they're actually deployed in the field. Normally, you'd have to pull out a processor, do your checks in some lab, and then shove it back in, but with this thing, you can do it all remotely. Now, with the Linux kernel 6.2, this feature is getting some solid upgrdes.

The main upgrade? Well, they're making it more flexible. Before, it was kinda limited, but now it's more, how do I say it... expandable? It's like you can perform more varietys of tests without needing to hit the reboot button or halt your whole system. That's a big deal, specially in data centers where uptime is king.

Also, there's better integration with the kernel itself, so the comaptibility with different hardware configurations is getting better. You won't have to worry as much about somthing breaking just because you've got a slightly different setup than what the feature was originally designed for.

Oh, and performance? Yeah, they've fine-tuned it, so the scans run quicker and with less overhead. It's not gonna grind your whole system to a halt while you're trying to do other stuff. That's a relief, especially if you're trying to manage a busy network where every second of downtime costs money.

So, if you're the kind of guy who's juggling multiple servers, handling network configurations, and making sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine, this upgrade is something you might want to look into. It could save you a lot of headeaches when it comes to maintaining your infra.
Linux 6.2 is making this feature a lot more powerful and easier to use. It's like giving your CPU a health checkup without ever leaving your netwrk operations center.

The Linux kernel team is finally getting its act together with the release of version 6.2, but is it too little, too late? The sixth release candidate is still being tested, and one has to wonder if the team is just trying to keep up with the Joneses (i.e., Windows and macOS).
The Rust implementation is a nice touch, but let's not forget that Linux is still playing catch-up in terms of user experience. And don't even get me started on the mitigation for Retbleed vulnerability - it's about time the team took security seriously.