Just a couple of days ago, kernel.org developers have release kernel 2.6.32.4, then soon after 2.6.32.5 and now 2.6.32.6. Seems something has change or a lot of bugs where fixed, because in less then 5 days (well +/-) they release tree version. One thing I have noticed in 2.6.32.6 is that the i915 module and drm module where really improved as I got from my tests 1000 frames more then usually. Note also that I am using the latest Mesa, DRM and Intel video drivers available, but I have to admit that it works superb. In the last couple of month there were tons of issues with the i915 module and driver which lacked in performance, but now seems things are going into the right direction.

Besides this big step forward with the i915 video driver, there are other fixed which make this kernel to perform better than the previous ones and a good plus is also some good fixed for ext4 file system, which does seem to out perform ext3 file system, well anyway in my tests . Now do not forget to check the ChangeLog from kernel.org for more info on whats new and what was fixed.

When it comes to the package release, the same things do apply like in the previous ones, added acerhdf module (0.5.22), ureadahead patch for ureadahead on Ubuntu and a nice custom kernel build which now will also allow usage of more then 4GB of memory. I’ve build this kernel with PAE support, so should work also very nicely with laptops/desktops with more then 4GB of memory, plus also has NX (Execute Disable) protection enable, well in case you processor supports it, if not then it will be disabled.

The method of installation is the same and you will need root access or sudo access, plus dpkg and the will to try it out. Download the packages from http://dl.robertalks.com/kernel/2.6.32.6-jackson/ (US/CA mirror) or from http://mirror.visualserver.org/kernel/2.6.32.6-jackson/ (EU/CZ mirror) and remember that to use this kernel you will need at least linux-image-2.6.32.6-jackson_2.6.32.6-1_i386.deb package.

A little help for beginners who wanna use this kernel. After you download the package use dpkg to install it, like this:

sudo dpkg -i –force-all linux-image-2.6.32.6-jackson_2.6.32.6-1_i386.deb (you do the same with the rest of the packages)

For those of you who want or need to rebuild the kernel, you can download the source code with the config file from http://dl.robertalks.com/kernel/source/ (US/CA mirror) or http://mirror.visualserver.org/kernel/source/ (EU/CZ mirror).

OK, don’t forget to test this kernel and drop me comments in case of errors or issues with it. Have fun!