Linux 5.6 is the most exciting kernel in years (phoronix.com)

Article summary

The Linux 5.6 kernel is expected to be released with numerous new features, including WireGuard, USB4, and open-source NVIDIA RTX 2000 series support. This kernel release is considered significant due to the large number of improvements and new hardware support. The release includes various enhancements to file systems, storage, and graphics, as well as improvements to AMD Zen and Zen2 thermal and power reporting. The kernel also includes support for the Amazon Echo and other new ARM SoCs and boards.

Main themes

• Linux kernel update
• New features and hardware support
• File system and storage improvements
• Graphics and performance enhancements
• NFS and networking

What commenters say

• The NFS client cache feature in Linux 5.6 is a significant improvement for users who experience system slowdowns when the NFS server connection is lost. Some commenters disagree on the usefulness of NFSv4, with some citing poor performance and others defending its features. The PREEMPT_RT patchset, which aims to provide bounded response times, is expected to be merged into the mainline kernel, potentially making low-latency kernels obsolete. The merge of the PREEMPT_RT patchset has been delayed due to its complexity and the amount of changes it introduces. Some users have had negative experiences with NFS and prefer alternative solutions like CIFS/SMB. The OpenBSD community's tone and behavior are seen as toxic and unhelpful by some commenters. The PREEMPT_RT patchset is not just for real-time operating systems, but can also benefit low-latency applications on desktop and server systems.