New Linux kernel goes for the double

A new version of the Linux operating system has been launched which supports two file systems designed to improve laptop-desktop synchronising and avoid crashes.

The Linux kernel 2.5.0 is now available in beta. The Linux kernel file systems are Ext3, a journalling file system that tracks changes in real-time for rapid recovery if a system crash occurs, and InterMezzo, designed to ease management of files spread across networks.

The kernel is provided for use by developers and, in due course, will find its way into the leading Linux releases from Red Hat, SuSE and others.

Ext3 is not new, having been offered by some vendors as part of their Linux offerings, but will be available as standard when vendors implement the new kernel.

Probably the most attractive feature of InterMezzo is simplified synchronisation of files residing on both the laptop and desktop. Other features include offline browsing of network files, automatic recovery after a network failure, and management of home directories held on different computers.

Meanwhile the K Desktop Environment (KDE) Project has released version 2.2.2 of the KDE open source Linux desktop environment with improved security bug corrections and speed improvements such as faster icon loading.

The major criticism of KDE has been its slowness, so speed improvements will be welcomed by developers. But a major release of KDE, version 3.0, is due to move from alpha to beta next month with general availability in February. It is offered alongside Red Hat, SuSE and Mandrake Linux, as well as some Unix implementations.