Linux kernel 6.14 delivers significant performance improvements and enhanced Windows compatibility. Key advancements include faster initial setup times, optimized memory management reducing overhead, and improvements to the EXT4 filesystem, boosting I/O performance for everyday tasks. Better support for running Windows games through Proton and Steam Play, stemming from enhanced Direct3 12 support, and improved performance with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) make gaming and cross-platform development smoother. Initial benchmarks show impressive results, particularly for AMD systems. This release signals a notable step forward for Linux in both performance and its ability to seamlessly integrate with Windows environments.
ZDNet argues that the Microsoft 365 Copilot launch was a "disaster" due to its extremely limited availability. While showcasing impressive potential, the exorbitant pricing ($30 per user/month on top of existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions) and restriction to just 600 enterprise customers renders it inaccessible to the vast majority of users. This limited rollout prevents widespread testing and feedback crucial for refining a product still in its early stages, ultimately hindering its development and broader adoption. The author concludes that Microsoft missed an opportunity to gather valuable user data and generate broader excitement by opting for an exclusive, high-priced preview instead of a wider, even if less feature-complete, beta release.
HN commenters generally agree that the launch was poorly executed, citing the limited availability (only to 600 enterprise customers), high price ($30/user/month), and lack of clear value proposition beyond existing AI tools. Several suggest Microsoft rushed the launch to capitalize on the AI hype, prioritizing marketing over a polished product. Some argue the "disaster" label is overblown, pointing out that this is a controlled rollout to large customers who can provide valuable feedback. Others discuss the potential for Copilot to eventually improve productivity, but remain skeptical given the current limitations and integration challenges. A few commenters criticize the article's reliance on anecdotal evidence and suggest a more nuanced perspective is needed.
Summary of Comments ( 88 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43483567
Hacker News commenters generally express skepticism towards ZDNet's claim of a "big leap forward." Several point out that the article lacks specific benchmarks or evidence to support the performance improvement claims, especially regarding gaming. Some suggest the improvements, while present, are likely incremental and specific to certain hardware or workloads, not a universal boost. Others discuss the ongoing development of mainline Windows drivers for Linux, particularly for newer hardware, and the complexities surrounding secure boot. A few commenters mention specific improvements they appreciate, such as the inclusion of the "rusty-rng" random number generator and enhancements for RISC-V architecture. The overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism tempered by a desire for more concrete data.
The Hacker News post discussing the ZDNet article "Linux kernel 6.14 is a big leap forward in performance and Windows compatibility" has generated several comments, mostly focusing on specific technical aspects and expressing skepticism about the article's broad claims.
Several commenters delve into the specifics mentioned in the article. One points out the significance of the "Initial support for the Intel LAM (Linear Address Masking)" feature for improving security, emphasizing its role in mitigating speculative execution attacks. Another discusses the improvements to the timer system, especially for embedded systems, highlighting the real-world impact of these seemingly minor changes. A further comment focuses on the addition of the "user events" feature, explaining its usefulness in performance analysis by allowing user-space applications to annotate trace events.
Some comments express skepticism towards the article's claim of a "big leap forward." One commenter argues that while the improvements are valuable, they are incremental rather than revolutionary, suggesting the headline is overblown. Another echoes this sentiment, pointing out that kernel development is a continuous process and that significant advancements are usually spread across multiple releases rather than concentrated in one.
A recurring theme in the comments is the discussion around Windows compatibility. Several users express interest in the improvements related to running Windows games on Linux via Wine and Proton. They discuss specific enhancements, such as improved support for Direct3D and better handling of anti-cheat mechanisms. However, some commenters also caution against overhyping these improvements, emphasizing that full compatibility with Windows games remains a complex and ongoing challenge.
Finally, a few comments touch on other related topics. One commenter discusses the benefits of the new kernel for specific hardware platforms, while another mentions the overall trend of Linux kernel development and its impact on the broader tech ecosystem.
In summary, the comments generally acknowledge the value of the improvements introduced in Linux kernel 6.14 but express reservations about characterizing them as a "big leap." The discussion centers around specific technical details, particularly regarding security, performance analysis, and Windows compatibility, with a cautious optimism towards the future of gaming on Linux.