Linux kernel Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 4, 2026

AWS Engineer Reports PostgreSQL Performance Halved By Linux 7.0, But A Fix May Not Be Easy

An engineer from Amazon/AWS reported a significant performance regression in PostgreSQL when running on the nearly finalized Linux 7.0 kernel, with throughput dropping to about half of previous kernel versions. The regression, observed on a Graviton4 server, is attributed to increased time spent in a user-space spinlock due to changes in preemption modes in Linux 7.0. A patch to revert to PREEMPT_NONE as the default preemption model has been submitted but may not be adopted. Peter Zijlstra suggested that PostgreSQL should adapt to utilize the Restartable Sequences (RSEQ) time slice extension to mitigate the performance drop. If this adaptation is accepted, the responsibility for the performance decline may shift to PostgreSQL, potentially affecting users until the database is updated. The stable release of Linux 7.0 is expected in about two weeks, coinciding with the launch of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft to upgrade Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with faster file access, better networking and easier setup

Microsoft plans to enhance the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in 2026, focusing on several key improvements for developers. These enhancements include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows to address current latency issues. - Improved network compatibility and throughput for better communication between environments. - A streamlined setup and onboarding experience to simplify installation for newcomers. - Enhanced enterprise management and security features to improve control and safety in corporate settings.

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Fedora 44 will automatically make your Windows games run faster, no tweaks required

Gaming on Linux has seen advancements, particularly with the introduction of NTSYNC, which replicates the Windows NT synchronization system in the Linux kernel. This integration aims to improve synchronization for games ported from Windows, reducing CPU burden and enhancing performance. Fedora 44, set to release around April 14th, will automatically implement NTSYNC, benefiting users of Wine and Proton without the need for manual activation. This development is expected to improve frame rates and compatibility for Linux gamers.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

Wine 11 might be the tipping point that finally pushes gamers from Windows to Linux

The latest release of Wine, version 11, introduces a feature called NTSYNC, a kernel driver that enhances performance for Windows games running on Linux, achieving performance gains of up to 678%. This is accomplished through a new device, /dev/ntsync, which allows the Linux kernel to handle thread synchronization natively, replacing the previous Remote Procedure Call method. Wine 11 also completes the WoW64 implementation, enabling seamless running of both 32- and 64-bit games without multilib libraries. Other enhancements include improvements to the Wayland driver, EGL as the default backend for OpenGL rendering, initial support for hardware-accelerated H.264 decoding, improved force feedback support, a new Bluetooth driver, support for Zip64 compression, Unicode 17.0.0 support, TWAIN 2.0 scanning for 64-bit apps, and IPv6 ping functionality. Wine 11 is available in most Linux distributions' default repositories, except for Ubuntu 24.04, which lacks the necessary kernel support.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft quietly announced upcoming WSL upgrades, including a “more streamlined first-time setup and onboarding”

Microsoft has introduced several updates for Windows 11, including a simplified installation process for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to install it with a single command or via the Microsoft Store. Additionally, there are enhancements in interoperability between Windows and Linux file systems, as well as improvements in networking capabilities. WSL provides a genuine Linux kernel and supports GUI applications, facilitating seamless communication with the Windows environment.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Announces WSL Upgrades for Windows 11

Microsoft has announced enhancements for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to improve the experience for developers using Linux tools on Windows. Key areas of focus include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows - Improved network compatibility and throughput - A more streamlined first-time setup and onboarding experience - Enhanced enterprise management with stronger policy control, security, and governance Networking improvements are particularly significant, addressing past issues with mirrored networking that caused “No route to host” errors. Additionally, a new dxgkrnl driver patch has been submitted to improve GPU support for WSL2, introducing compute-only GPU capabilities and support for multiple virtual GPUs. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft VP for Windows and Devices, emphasized ongoing quality improvements for Windows 11, including reducing Copilot integration in built-in applications, enhancing Bluetooth and USB reliability, and improving search functionality and responsiveness. Despite these commitments, concerns remain, such as the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in requirement.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

FRANK OS 1.0 Launches With a Retro Windows 95-Like Desktop

FRANK OS is a newly launched open-source graphical desktop operating system specifically designed for microcontrollers, with its first official version, 1.0, now available. It is built on FreeRTOS rather than the Linux kernel, optimized for the RP2350 microcontroller, which has approximately 520 KB of SRAM and dual CPU cores. The operating system features a desktop environment reminiscent of Windows 95, including overlapping windows, a taskbar, and a start-menu-style launcher. It supports standard desktop behaviors and allows users to switch between applications using an Alt+Tab-style interface. FRANK OS comes preloaded with nine lightweight applications, such as an interactive terminal, a C compiler, classic games, and a ZX Spectrum emulator. Programs can be compiled as ARM ELF binaries and loaded from an SD card. The system is aimed at hobbyists and experimental use.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

I found a Linux user who switched to Windows 11 after 8 years of distros — and he actually prefers it. Here’s why.

Windows 11 is often criticized for being overly restrictive, bloated, and focused on AI features, while Linux is praised for its control and transparency. A former Linux user who switched to Windows 11 after eight years found that Windows 11 improved workflows and offered better compatibility and hardware support, despite acknowledging its shortcomings like data harvesting and mandatory account creation. The user appreciated tools like Scoop and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for enhancing their experience. The narrative emphasizes that the choice between operating systems is personal, with Windows 11 appealing to users for its convenience and compatibility, while Linux remains valued for its flexibility and control.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

I found a Linux user who switched to Windows 11 after 8 years of distros — and he actually prefers it. Here’s why.

Critics describe Windows 11 as overly restrictive and bloated, with a focus on AI and Copilot features, while Linux is seen as an ideal alternative for developers prioritizing control and transparency. A former Linux user switched to Windows 11 after eight years with various distributions, finding that Windows embraced workflows that suited their needs. They discovered tools like Scoop, which functions as a package manager, and appreciated the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for its integration without the challenges of desktop Linux. Despite acknowledging criticisms of Windows 11, such as data privacy concerns and unwanted interface changes, the user found Windows 11's compatibility and user-friendliness appealing. The narrative emphasizes that operating system choices are personal and depend on individual workflows and needs.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations

Microsoft developers and enterprise technology leaders are increasingly choosing Linux over Windows for development tasks, driven by performance concerns, workflow inefficiencies, and the rise of cloud-native development. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has facilitated this shift by allowing developers to work in a Linux environment while still using Windows. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, which are primarily designed for Linux, have led to a reevaluation of desktop strategies across various industries. Linux provides direct access to the same kernel and toolchain used in production, reducing discrepancies that can lead to bugs. It typically requires less memory at idle compared to Windows, making it more efficient for developers managing multiple containers or virtual machines. Microsoft has responded by investing in platform-agnostic tools like Visual Studio Code and embracing Linux on its Azure cloud platform, where over 50% of virtual machines run Linux. The introduction of WSL2 has improved compatibility and performance, but it has also highlighted Windows' limitations, leading to frustrations among developers. Security considerations favor Linux due to its open-source nature, allowing for greater customization and auditing. Financially, Linux can be more economical for enterprises due to lower licensing costs and reduced hardware requirements. Organizations that have switched to Linux report significant improvements in build times and overall developer experience. Hybrid strategies are emerging to accommodate developer preferences while ensuring security, with cloud-based development environments gaining traction. The trend toward Linux workstations reflects broader industry movements toward open source and platform independence, as companies adapt to attract and retain technical talent.