Linux 5.8 released, features Thunderbolt 4.0 support and improved security

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Linux 5.8 is one of the biggest Linux releases yet

(Image credit: Future)

Linux's creator Linus Torvalds has released a new version of the Linux kernel following seven release candidates.

While he did consider creating an eighth release candidate for Linux 5.8 last week, on Sunday Torvalds decided "it's not just worth waiting another week when there aren't any big looming worries around”.

Linux 5.8 succeeds the latest stable Linux Kernel 5.7 and includes all of the changes that were pulled out during the kernel 5.8 merge windows. As Linux 5.8 received a surprisingly high number of merge requests during its merge window, Torvalds said that it is one of the biggest Linux releases yet in terms of the number of commits and close to Linux 4.9.

Linux 5.8

When it comes to new changes and features, Linux Kernel 5.8 includes several updates that address security, memory management, hardware support, new drivers and more.

Some of the standout additions include Thunderbolt 4.0 support, improved Arm-64 security, support for booting on Power 10 CPUs and an energy driver for AMD's recent CPUs. Linux 5.8 also adds improvements to open-source AMD Radeon graphics drivers and Microsoft exFAT drivers.

Users interested in downloading the latest Linux kernel version can download it from the official page. However, it will still take some time for the kernel to find its way into other popular Linux distros such as Ubuntu, Arch Linux and Linux Mint. 

Via Fossbytes

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Anthony Spadafora
Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.