Linux kernel 2.4.22 released
Summary
In August 2003 Marcelo Tosatti released Linux kernel 2.4.22, which above all reworked ACPI support. There were also improvements to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and 64-bit processors; the version was identical to release candidate 4. At the same time, test versions of kernel 2.6 with a new scheduler, better memory management and a faster IP stack were available.
Ideas
- Reworked ACPI improved power management and hardware detection.
- A final release identical to the last release candidate shows a calm conclusion.
- New kernels only reach users with a delay via their distribution.
Insights
- Hardware support such as ACPI decides more about Linux on notebooks than new features do.
- Between the kernel release and the distribution there is a phase in which users have to decide for themselves.
Facts
- 2.4.22 appeared a little over two months after 2.4.21.
- The test kernel 2.6.0-test4 had appeared shortly before.
References
Critique
- The report sticks to keywords; which hardware specifically benefited from the ACPI rework remains open.
Remarks
- Linux 2.6.0 appeared in December 2003.
Recommendations
- Test new kernels first on hardware with critical drivers such as ACPI, Wi-Fi or storage controllers.
- Use release candidates to report problems before the release.
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