Study of Linux shows kernel improvements

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: PHIL HOCHMUTH ON LINUX
08/10/05
Today's focus: Study of Linux shows kernel improvements

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Linux is getting better, even with just a little aging, says
  study
* Links related to Linux
* Featured reader resource
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GARTNER'S SECURITY HYPE-O-METER

What is hype and has it influenced your network security
efforts? At a recent Gartner security summit, analysts described
what they say are "The Five Most Overhyped Security Threats,"
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Today's focus: Study of Linux shows kernel improvements

By Phil Hochmuth

A recent study done by a software company comparing the two most
recently-released versions of the Linux kernel revealed that
Linux is getting better, even with just a little aging.

Coverity, a maker of software analysis tools, said it had
analyzed the 2.6.9 version of the Linux kernel in December and a
newer version of the kernel (2.6.12) in July. The study found
that open source developers who write and maintain the kernel
had fixed some significant issues with the software over the
six-month study period.

Linux kernel code analyzed in December of 2004 was found to have
five file system buffer overrun weaknesses and one major network
buffer overrun issue. Both of these were corrected when the code
was re-analyzed in July, the company says. The study says that
the code base for the Linux kernel grew from 5.76 million lines
of code to 6.03 million lines. Total code defects found in
Coverity's study increased overall from 985 in December 2004 to
1,008 in July, but the number of defects per lines of code
decreased from .17 per 1,000 lines of code to .16.

Coverity's summation of its study is that users should not be
hesitant to upgrade versions of the Linux kernel as they are
released; the company says users had shown reluctance to upgrade
kernels, erring on the side of "ain't broke/don't fix," but the
software vendor claims the advantages of kernel upgrades come in
the form of a more stable, less hackable Linux Kernel.

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. New York courts find security in IP video
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080805-ip-video.html?t5>

2. Microsoft settles with 'Spam King' for $7 million
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux4754>

3. German bank launches new system to combat phishing
<http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux4755>

4. Anti-spyware firm warns of massive ID theft ring
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080505-id-theft.html?t5>

5. Crashing the 'Net
<http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2005/080805buzz.html?t5>

_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Phil Hochmuth

Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a former
systems integrator. You can reach him at
<mailto:phochmut@nww.com>.
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Akamai
Download the Network World Special Report: Accelerating
Web-based Applications: Managed Services Offer Benefits Without
Infrastructure Headaches

Look at most companies and you'll find one thing in common, a
move to Web-enable mission critical applications. A new breed of
managed services, aimed directly at accelerating performance and
availability of Web-based applications, helps companies attain
their goals of profit and growth - no matter how far or wide the
audience they are trying to reach. Learn how Web-based
applications can allow your company to boost the bottom line.
Download this Special Report today!
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=109894
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ARCHIVE LINKS

Breaking Linux news from Network World and around the 'Net,
updated daily: http://www.networkworld.com/topics/linux.html

Archive of the Linux newsletter:
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/linux/index.html
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Delivering web applications over the WAN: The new web tier

Experts discuss how to better manage and improve the performance
of web-based applications across the extended enterprise.
Webcast addresses the need for a new architecture tier that
focuses exclusively on this issue.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=109797
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE

HARD WORK, GOOD PAY

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