The new linux kernel stable branch, 2.6.0, is nearly here. It is currently in the 2.6.0-test stage. I've been running a 2.6.0 test kernel on and off for a couple of weeks now, and thought I'd mention it on list to encourage those who feel up to it to try it out. Some new features that I've noticed: * Crypto API support, for encrypted filesystems and IPSec * (IPSec) * /sys filesystem - like the contents of /proc/sys * Much better ACPI support * STCP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) * Improved networkin * IPv6, netfilter for IPv6 * netfilter for bridges? * ALSA sound drivers have been merged * ext2 / ext3 extended attribute and ACL support * (I think) better firewire / usb2 support * ATAPI cdwriting - no need for scsi emulation any more There's a whole lot more too, i'm sure -thats just what I can remember. It seems stable, although I have odd things happen every now and then (like, a segmentation fault when rmmod'ing a module - all subsequent module operations (lsmod, rmmod, modprobe) lock up. reboot needed. oops). Certainly, once the test kernels have finished and 2.6.0 is declared "stable", this should be a good kernel. On my gentoo box, the only thing I needed to upgrade was modutils. Your mileage may vary for other distros, so make sure to read the kernel changelog and update any packages required! I think some distros (RedHat ?) have binary kernel targets for 2.6.0 already Daniel