Posted by Steve on Sun 27 Jul 2008 at 13:27
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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I think that support for newer HW in core packages is a step in evolution for a somehow 'controversial' distribution! :)
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I'm not a comlpete idoit - some prats are missnig.
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