New Linux Console, Rust and BcacheFS drama, KDE donations: Linux & Open Source News

Summary

This Linux and open source news show covers the controversy around Rust's use in the Linux kernel and the recent integration of the bcache FS filesystem, which has led to a maintainer's departure and significant patches being submitted inappropriately. The show also discusses the new Linux-based gaming console from the Mu Deck project, KDE's efforts to increase donations, and the ongoing success of the Steam Deck. Additionally, it touches on the Sovereign Tech Fund's support for FreeBSD and the potential of a new Linux console from Mu Deck, while promoting Squarespace and Tuxedo Computers as sponsors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Linux and open source news show discussed recent drama around the use of Rust in the Linux kernel and the bcache FS file system.
• 😕 Linus Torvalds expressed dissatisfaction with the recent developments in the Linux kernel, including the controversy over Rust and the bcache FS file system.
• 💻 A new gaming console from the MU deck project runs Linux but has been criticized for its high price relative to its capabilities.
• 💰 KDE is exploring ways to increase donations, as they are essential for maintaining their web hosting, development infrastructure, and organizing events.
• 🛠️ The video is sponsored by Squarespace, an all-in-one platform for creating, publishing, and managing websites, which offers tools for easy website creation and SEO optimization.
• 🔧 Torvalds spoke at the Linux Foundation's Open-Source Summit in China, emphasizing ongoing challenges like memory management and the real-time Linux project.
• 📈 He also highlighted the importance of updating to the latest kernel to avoid difficulties in applying updates and to ensure security and stability.
• 🛑 A Rust maintainer for the Linux kernel stepped down due to frustration with ongoing debates over the use of Rust in the kernel, rather than focusing on implementation.
• 🚀 The Sovereign Tech Fund donated €686,000 to FreeBSD for infrastructure and security improvements, part of their commitment to supporting free software.
• 🎮 The Steam Deck continues to be a top seller on Steam, indicating strong market demand and the popularity of Linux-based gaming devices.

Q & A

What recent drama has there been regarding the use of Rust in the Linux kernel?

There has been drama around the use of Rust in the Linux kernel due to a maintainer leaving the project, expressing frustration with non-technical discussions about whether Rust should be used in the Linux kernel or not.

What is the controversy surrounding the recently merged bcache FS file system in the Linux kernel?

The controversy involves the developer of the bcache FS file system submitting large patches during new kernel version release cycles, which is against the rules and has led to Linus Torvalds considering whether bcache FS should remain in the upstream kernel.

What is the MU Deck project's new gaming console, and how does it relate to Linux?

The MU Deck project is working on a new gaming console called the MU Deck machine, which runs on a Linux-based system called Basite, derived from Fedora. It aims to provide a plug-and-play experience for gaming.

Why is KDE looking at ways to generate more donations?

KDE is looking at ways to generate more donations to support their infrastructure, development sprints, and to pay developers and staff for work that volunteers don't want to do.

What is the significance of the €1 million donation to GNOME by the Sovereign Tech Fund?

The €1 million donation to GNOME by the Sovereign Tech Fund, supported by the German Ministry of Economy and Climate Action, signifies the fund's commitment to supporting free software projects and is seen as a positive step for open-source funding.

What is the new feature KDE plans to add in Plasma 6.2 that might annoy some users?

KDE plans to add a non-intrusive, annual system notification asking users to donate to the KDE project. It is designed to be easy to dismiss and will not block user work.

What are the details of the two models of the MU Deck machine, and how do they differ?

The MU Deck machine comes in two models: the EM1 with an underpowered n97 CPU, integrated graphics, and 8GB of RAM, and the EM2 with a Ryzen 7 8600G, integrated Radeon 760M graphics (overclocked), and 16GB of RAM. The EM2 is capable of playing games like Cyberpunk at 60 FPS at 1080p low using FSR.

How does the success of the Steam Deck reflect on the popularity of Linux gaming?

The Steam Deck's success, as indicated by its high sales and ranking on the global top sellers list on Steam, reflects positively on the popularity of Linux gaming and shows that there is a strong market for Linux-based gaming devices.

What is the stance of Linus Torvalds on AI and its impact on the Linux kernel?

Linus Torvalds is skeptical about the current hype around AI but hopes that AI tools will help with code review and bug detection. He also notes that AI has made big vendors like Nvidia more interested in contributing to the Linux kernel.

What is the significance of the €686,000 donation to FreeBSD by the Sovereign Tech Fund?

The €686,000 donation to FreeBSD by the Sovereign Tech Fund will be used to improve the project's infrastructure and security, reduce technical debt, and enhance the overall robustness and security of FreeBSD.