Current and Future Unix/Linux

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1) What is the version of the most stable Linux Kernel Release? What are some of the key
additions and/or changes in this Kernel version?

The most stable Linux Kernel Release is: 2.6.35.4 of the 2.6 Kernel series, Released in August
26, 2010. Key addictions and changes include:

• Transparent spreading of incoming network load across CPUs – Network scalability with
new receive packet – and receive-flow steering mechanism

• Network code and turbo-mode optimization for multicore processor

• Btrfs improvements – direct I/O, which bypasses the kernel cache

• KDB Kernel debugger frontend

• Memory compaction – advanced memory defragmentation

• Support for Multiple Multicast route tables

• Performance and graphics improvements

2) What is the version of the next Linux Kernel Release? What are some of the key
additions, changes, or fixes that will be included in this release?

The next promising kernel release according to Linus Torvald will be 2.6.36. This will be likely
to be released in October of 2010. One of the most notable key addictions will be Nick Piggins
Virtual File System (VFS) scalability. Among other changes the release of various patches which
reduce the use of the Big Kernel Lock (BKL). Other addiction likely to be release with the next
kernel includes some “Zram” code, RAID-5 mapping improvements and the AppArmor Security
FrameWork.

3) Investigate what are current and future trends of Linux Kernel Development. Consider
discussing trends and role of Linux OS in Mobile Computing, Grid and High Performance
Computing, Desktop Computing, Consumer Electronics and Appliances, Network
Infrastructures, Security Frameworks, Virtualization or any other salient technologies that
you may come across as you conduct a review of recent literature on the subject for your
write up.

We cannot determine the future trends of Linux by considering the Kernel Alone. The fact is that
the Unix System is been around for more than 30 years and supports more mission-critical and
high-availability servers than any other OS in the world. Consumer Electronics and Appliances
technology are rapidly growing due to high demand for portability and performance. Since the
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introduction of the Linux based OS Google Android on cell phones, Apple’s Iphone and
Windows Mobile market continues to decline rapidly. According to market research company’s
first quarter 2010 figures reveal that “although Research in Motion's (RIM's) OS still commands
36 percent of the market, Android grabbed second place with 28 percent, relegating Apple into a
humiliating third place with just 21 percent.” The Linux Kernel plays a major role in the
development of an Android, because the kernel is responsible for the core system services, the
kernel also acts as an abstract layer between the hardware and the software API’s. The
advantages of implementing Linux based OS on phones is the ability to use the open source
community to develop a much faster mobile programs, while reducing research and development
costs. The mobile Linux based market will continue to grow as long as the open source
community continues to develop programs that allow customers to customize their mobile
devices to meet their personal needs.

4) Investigate what are the most recent File System Types that Linux now supports, which
ones are in the works, when will they be released, and briefly elaborate on the
differences, advantages and limitations in context of the Linux OS of the various file
systems you came across.

After years of development Linux adopted Ext4 during the 2.6.19 kernel release as their new
experimental default file system, but since 2.6.28 the file system became stable and is been used
ever since. Other previous file Systems supported by the latest Linux version include: Ext2,
Ext3, JFS, ReiserFS3 (DARPA proprietary file system), XFS and ZFS. Many of the previous file
system provide stability however many falls short on scalability. BTRFS is currently under
development in an effort by Oracle to provide a file system that not only allocates files where
they are needed but also a smart system that is self sustainable.
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Pages Cited

Antoq, (2010). Linux Kernel 2.6.36 RC2: The essential part of Linux. Retrieved September 06,
2010 from All about Linux: http://www.linuxinet.com/free-linux-software/linux-kernel-2636-
rc2-essential-part-linux.html.

Leemhuis, T. (2010). What's new in Linux 2.6.35. Retrieved September 06, 2010 from The H
Open: http://www.h-online.com/open/features/what-s-new-in-linux-2-6-35-1047707.html.

Ruben, P. (2010). It's a Windows vs. Linux Mobile Market Turf War. Retrieved September 07,
2010 from ServerWatch: http://www.serverwatch.com/trends/article.php/3881461/its-a-
windows-vs-linux-mobile-market-turf-war.htm.

Lau, K. (2010). Android leads growing Linux-based phone market. Retrieved September 07,
2010 from IT World Canada: http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/android-leads-growing-linux-
based-smart-phone-market/140914-pg1.

Diedrich, O., Dr. (2010). The Ext4 Linux file system. Retrieved September 07, 2010 from The H
Open: http://www.h-online.com/open/features/the-ext4-linux-file-system-746579.html.

Diedrich, O., Dr. (2009). The Btrfs file system. Retrieved September 07, 2010 from The H Open:
http://www.h-online.com/open/features/the-btrfs-file-system-746597.html.