Is Linux Kernel 2.6 Primed for the Enterprise?

Linux Kernel 2.6 has been in stable release for months now, which is like dog's years in kernel time. Kernel releases are exciting times for Linux geeks, because it's just plain fun to be able to replace the kernel on a system, or have several different kernels installed, and choose among them as the whim strikes. Oh yes, you want to gain improved performance and functionality, too. Of course us sober, conscientious admins evaluate software upgrades in terms of necessity, not in terms of fun. Let's take a look at what's new and improved in 2.6.

2.6 rocks — how's that for an executive summary? This kernel is improved in every way — for everything from PDAs and other wee embedded devices, to desktops and workstations, to high-demand servers. Improved multimedia, networking, journaling and distributed filesystems, RAID, LVM (Linux volume manager), more RAM, more users, more devices, and more speed in every way. While Linux has always had the broadest support for different hardware platforms, with this release it's finally also a real honest-to-goodness enterprise operating system.

Read Full Story