Linux kernel 4.0 comes out

Linux kernel 4.0 has been released. The new kernel includes the ability to update it without restarting the operating system. There are also the necessary graphical improvements to the kernel.

Kernel 4.0, which bears the obscure working title of ‘Hurr durr I’ma sheep’, integrates live kernel patching. This addition to the kernel code makes it possible to make changes to the kernel without the need for a system reboot. The underlying kernel patching code was developed in conjunction with Red Hat and Suse who have released similar mechanisms under the names Kpatch and kGraft.

The new Linux kernel also includes displayport support in the Radeon drm driver. Support for IBM’s new Z13 mainframe has also been added, as well as Intel’s Quark soc and several ARM socs. The kernel can also handle Intel’s Skylake architecture, while the open source Nouveau driver for Nvidia hardware also has the necessary improvements.