Linux kernel 4.1 is available

Linus Torvalds has released lts version 4.1 of the Linux kernel. The new kernel contains many improvements and new options. The ext4 file system can now encrypt data on its own and a driver for nv dimms has been added so that they can be used as a storage medium.

Another notable addition is the ability to leverage the hardware acceleration of various Intel graphics cards in virtual machines, Heise writes. The goal is to make this support possible for all GPUs in the future. Nvidia’s Maxwell GPU, including the Geforce GTX 750, gets 3d acceleration in 4.1 with the Nouveau drivers. For the open source AMD drivers, Radeon DisplayPort MST support has been added, allowing better support for displays with a resolution higher than 4k or certain docking stations.

The new Skylake platform has also been tackled in collaboration with Intel. It is planned to be released after the summer. It includes out-of-the-box support for the new CPUs. Improvements have also been made for users of the Google Pixel 2, making the touchpad and touchscreen work properly, as well as the LEDs on the outside of the screen. Users of recent Dell laptops can control the keyboard backlight. Gamers using their Xbox One controller can enjoy force feedback and vibration mode.

The kernel’s long-term support must be guaranteed for at least two years. In total, the nearly 1,500 developers made about 11,660 changes. The kernel has grown by more than 200,000 lines of code. The new kernel can be downloaded at kernel.org or from Linus’ GitHub.