What is the Linux Kernel?
The Linux kernel is the primary interface between a computer’s hardware and its processes. It is the most important component of a Linux Operating System (OS) and used by all Linux applications and servers. Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991 as a free Operating System kernel for his home computer. Other free software projects, such as the GNU Operating System use it as their kernel. Thousands of open-source developers from around the world work on the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel is one of the world’s largest open-source software projects, with about 23 million lines of code.
What’s New in Kernel 5.12
Linux Kernel 5.11 was a great release, including support for new hardware.
Now, After up to two months of development and a week of waiting for a release of candidate version 8, Linux Kernel 5.12 is now available.
The updates cover a wide range of areas, including processor, storage, hardware support, power management technique, LTO support in Clang, LZ4 mode support for the F2FS file system, supports the RISC-V 64-bit architecture, as well as support for non-uniform memory access (NUMA) systems and other important driver improvements.
Linux 5.12 now includes KFENCE (Kernel Electric-Fence), a new memory-debugging tool that now enables the open-source ACRN reference hypervisor for embedded IoT development, ID mapping in mounts, Dual Sense wireless gaming controllers for the PlayStation 5, Nintendo 64 game controllers, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2.
Linux 5.12 provides support for eMMC inline encryption, Linux root support for Microsoft Hypervisor, and best support for Microsoft devices.
Linux Kernel 5.12 is an excellent update with a lot of useful features.
Linus Torvalds said in his release announcement:
Here, I’ll outline the major changes in this release.
Linux Kernel 5.12 New Features
Processor
Graphics
Storage
PlayStation 5 Controller Drive
The release of Sony’s open-source controller driver was delayed the previous time, but it has now been added to the Linux 5.12 Kernel. Sony has committed to maintaining the open-source driver, not only as a one-time addition. So, if you’re interested in trying out Sony’s DualSense PlayStation 5 Controller, now is an excellent time to use it.
Other Major Improvements in this release include:
Linux Kernel 5.12 installation
1. Before installing kernel 5.12, make sure your system is updated
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
2. Installation via terminal command open terminal
cd /tmp/
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.12/amd64/linux-headers-5.12.0-051200_5.12.0-051200.202104252130_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.12/amd64/linux-headers-5.12.0-051200-generic_5.12.0-051200.202104252130_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.12/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-5.12.0-051200-generic_5.12.0-051200.202104252130_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.12/amd64/linux-modules-5.12.0-051200-generic_5.12.0-051200.202104252130_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
When the installation has completed successfully, reboot your computer.
About Infosec Train
InfosecTrain is one of the best consulting organizations, focusing on a wide range of IT security training. InfosecTrain was established in the year 2016 by a team of experienced and enthusiastic professionals, who have more than 15 years of industry experience. We provide professional training, certification & consulting services related to all areas of Information Technology and Cyber Security.