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Kernel extension are still allowed on Big Sur (and Monterey).


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Quick google shows that subset of kexts still allowed. I updated to Big Sur last week and installed kernel extensions for exactly this reason.

Big Sur doesn't even support kernel extensions, so this sounds unlikely.

Some older kernels still have support via LTS

You can still create kernel extensions, there's just a process to get them approved. The requirements are a little more stringent than getting a signed driver, which makes sense as the permissions are higher.

Good. It's not as if they can't use Linux anymore. They can still use the older version of kernels.

The linux kernel is userspace abi compatible back to year minus one.

Do they still disallow you to run your own kernel? (I guess I'm confusing them with scaleway...)

A new kernel with SMP support suggests they have at least some source access.

We are still actively maintaining support for the Motorola 68000 CPU in the kernel which is even older.

As long as he's upgrading, yes they are, Red Hat fully supports those kernels.

“100% RMS approved!”

Nice try, kernel adulator. It's GNU/Linux, or GNU+Linux.


Do you have any links? Other than virtualization, I hadn't heard about any limitations.

Edit: Looks like kernel extensions aren't supported either.


And it's not as if older versions of the kernel cease to exist when a new one lands, too. Worst case, it'll always be there in source control, just a checkout and a build away.

Old kernel perhaps, but that's still what's being shipped with the latest CentOS6 (and by extension, RHEL 6 as well). Old as it might be, it's in very wide use.

This would be a tremendous boon for those environments!


Their kernel at least is and it’s Unix. From a user standpoint I don’t have any issues with it, it’s like if Linux could run photoshop natively and had good paid software and you can’t change the UI. It’s not ideal but it works for me.

Suse Enterprise and Red Hat Enterprise had no problems to release updates for their Kernels.

There are kernel versions. KASAN, KUBSAN, KMSAN.

Yes, it's still using the same kernel.

I'm just surprised they would impose that restriction in the kernel considering they have very little problem with closed-source binary blobs for drivers and whatnot.
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