Linus Torvalds has released version 2.6.12 of the Linux kernel, a major revision including support for Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), significant changes to many drivers, and other changes. The revision arrives more than three months after version 2.6.11 and is the first release since Torvalds switched to a different system for managing the kernel source code, a move that slowed development. The 2.6 kernel was introduced in late 2003, succeeding the 2.4 kernel and adding a number of improvements aimed at large companies. The revision introduces a driver for TPM chips such as those found in some IBM laptops; the TPM is designed as a hardware safeguard for critical data such as passwords. The driver supports TPM devices from National Semiconductor and Atmel. TPM will store cryptographic keys, passwords, and digital certificates, typically on the motherboard. Embedding security measures in the hardware makes a system far more resistant to tampering than does using a software-based security scheme. The new revision adds improvements to IPv6, SELinux, the Software Suspend feature, and the device mapper. A feature called address space randomization is designed to help block the effectiveness of viruses. A number of drivers, such as those for DVB, USB, networks, and sound chips have had major updates, and modifications have been made to the CIFS, JFS, and XFS file systems...... **************** ***************************** Kiggundu Mukasa # Computer Network Consultancy### KYM-NET LTD. # Intranets & Internet Solutions# Plot 80 Kanjokya Street P.O. Box 24284 Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 77 972255 +256 71 221141 Fax: +256 31 262122 ***************************************************************** |
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