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Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware

Posted by Steve on Sun 27 Jul 2008 at 13:27

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The Debian project is pleased to announce the fourth update of its stable distribution Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 (codename etch). In addition to correcting several security problems and a few serious defects in the stable release, for the first time in Debian's history an update for a stable distribution also adds support for newer hardware by giving users the option to install newer drivers.

You can read more about this new point release via the announcement mail, this excerpt shows the change:

About "etch-and-a-half"

"Etch and a half" is Debian's desire to support hardware that requires updated drivers. This marks the first time the Debian project updates several core packages in its stable distribution without security implications and demonstrates its huge dedication for their users.

Components newer than the first release of Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 ("etch") that were not supported yet will be detected by an updated installation routine which is able to install a newer Linux kernel (2.6.24) on the freshly installed system. This revision includes packages that are based upon the Linux 2.6.24 kernel as well. Installation of these additional packages is not required and will not occur by default. The existing 2.6.18-based kernel will continue to be the default kernel for the etch release.

A more recent version of X.org, the X window system, also contains new drivers that add support to e.g. Geforce 8 series GPUs, intel 965GM, 965GME, G33, Q35, Q33 cards. Dual-head setups are also supported rudimentary.

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by benjamin (84.20.xx.xx) on Sun 27 Jul 2008 at 21:34
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I wouldn't be even close to some serious computing without Debian and all the stuff and people connected with it.

I think that support for newer HW in core packages is a step in evolution for a somehow 'controversial' distribution! :)
__________________________________________________
I'm not a comlpete idoit - some prats are missnig.

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (190.42.xx.xx) on Mon 28 Jul 2008 at 01:53
Agree!!
that is the way to go: gradual updates in kernel and apps. Now, will Next release lose momentum?

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (192.197.xx.xx) on Mon 28 Jul 2008 at 15:06
I'm thinking the same thing... why "disturb" the normal Debian release process, so close to a new release (IIRC Lenny is "due" in September) ?

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (217.216.xx.xx) on Fri 8 Aug 2008 at 21:25
Well, one thing is "want to" and other one is "reality" ;)

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by mverwijs (212.123.xx.xx) on Wed 30 Jul 2008 at 15:02
Actually, this isn't a new thing. My first Debian was "Slink-And-A-Half", somewhere in 2000 I think.

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Has anyone been able to find it?
Posted by Anonymous (97.66.xx.xx) on Mon 28 Jul 2008 at 17:49
Looks like debian.org is still linking to http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r3/i386/iso-cd/ (notice r3), which is a 404. If you change the URL to use 4.0_r4, same result. Anyone know of a working link?

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (217.216.xx.xx) on Mon 28 Jul 2008 at 17:56
And Lenny has been frozen!

Weeeeeeeeeeee Yahooooooooooooo!! :)

Go, Debian, Go!

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (67.88.xx.xx) on Mon 28 Jul 2008 at 22:32
This is great, I really like this move by Debian. This keeps me from looking at Ubuntu for my servers when I am looking for more updated drivers. While Happy Lenny is coming, I just got everybody updated to Etch! I am hoping the Lenny update is easier then Sarge -> etch and I assume it will be because not so many core changes.

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by fili (82.73.xx.xx) on Thu 7 Aug 2008 at 17:54

Wait, what? Lenny frozen?
I think you are mistaken...

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (217.216.xx.xx) on Fri 8 Aug 2008 at 03:58
No, I'm not. Read the official announcement:

http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2008/07/msg00007.ht ml

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by fili (82.95.xx.xx) on Fri 8 Aug 2008 at 11:18

Sweeeet! I completely overlooked that announcement :D

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (70.108.xx.xx) on Tue 29 Jul 2008 at 07:14
So how do we upgrade to etchnhalf? Do I have to change my source.list or what?

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (217.216.xx.xx) on Tue 29 Jul 2008 at 17:45
You don't need to change your sources.list because some 'etchnhalf packages' are integrated in main now.

You just need to search and install the 'etchnhalf package' that you want, after do the mandatory 'update', of course.

For instance, 'linux-image-2.6.24-etchnhalf.1-686' when, as you know, 'official' kernel branch is 2.6.18 in Etch.

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Re: Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 updated with support for newer hardware
Posted by Anonymous (217.216.xx.xx) on Tue 29 Jul 2008 at 19:33
More information at http://www.debian.org/News/2008/20080726

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