Posts for: #2023

OpenZFS/ZFS on Linux Releases Versions 2.2.2 and 2.1.14, Addressing Critical Data Corruption Issue

OpenZFS has released versions 2.2.2 and 2.1.14 to address a critical data corruption issue.

The bug, which was discovered due to changes in cp in coreutils 9.x, could cause data corruption due to an incorrect dirty dnode check. While it is unlikely that the bug was encountered on EL7, EL8, or EL9 when running cp, it is still recommended that users upgrade to either version 2.2.2 or 2.1.14 to ensure the fix is applied.

In addition to the data corruption fix, the release includes several other bug fixes and improvements. These include fixing ZFS so that snapshots under .zfs/snapshot are NFS visible on FreeBSD, addressing compatibility issues with Linux 6.6, and fixing build and shell-init errors on FreeBSD.

For a full list of changes and bug fixes, refer to the release notes.

Xen Orchestra 5.89 Released

Xen Orchestra has unveiled version 5.89, featuring over 20 new enhancements and functionalities. Noteworthy developments include Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware for over $60 billion, impacting the virtualization industry. Xen Orchestra’s team has expanded with new members, alongside the release of Xen 4.18, where one of their developers secured a Top 10 contributor spot. The landscape of virtualization is explored in light of industry shifts, emphasizing Vates’ innovative ‘Bundles’ amid these changes.

Xen Orchestra’s growth includes the addition of Bastien, focusing on XO’s backend, and a dedicated member for Project Pyrgos, concentrating on k8s cluster creation. Positive feedback surrounds the Rust Linux tools, with updates driven by community input. Backup functionality improvements introduce features like differential restore, API/CLI file-level restore, and enhanced XO Lite with a more compact interface, improved dashboard, and added functionalities.

The REST API sees updates for versatility, including user management, VDI content import, and XVA file management. Enhanced integration with Netbox facilitates optional synchronization between XO users and Netbox’s “tenant” entity, enhancing user activity tracking. Compatibility with XCP-ng 8.3 brings detailed task monitoring for coalesce, among other tailored features.

Additional improvements cover token management, VM booting with disk and ISO, console view disablement, and clearer messages for actions like forgetting a Storage Repository. Xen Orchestra 5.89 solidifies its position as a comprehensive solution for XCP-ng infrastructure management, demonstrating ongoing innovation and expansion within the Xen Orchestra team. The full changelog is available here.

Raspberry Pi 5 Introduces 5G Modem HAT with Quectel RM502Q-AE M.2 Module

Sixfab has introduced a 5G Modem Kit designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, featuring the Quectel RM502Q-AE 5G Sub-6GHz M.2 module, a proprietary internal antenna for Sub-6 frequency bands, and a USB 3.0 bridge connector. The Sixfab 5G Modem Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 includes a variety of specifications:

  • Sixfab 5G Modem HAT for Raspberry Pi 5
    • M.2 socket for 5G module
    • Nano SIM card holder + embedded SIM
    • USB 3.0 port and 40-pin GPIO header for connection to the Raspberry Pi 5 SBC
    • Misc
      • User button
      • Status, power, and user (GPIO21) LEDs
      • EEPROM for Raspberry Pi HAT compliance
      • 2-pin fan connector
    • Power Supply – 5V via USB Type-C port (on HAT itself)
    • Dimensions – 88.1 x 57.7 x 21.7 mm
    • Approvals – FCC, IC, CE, UKCA are in progress
  • Quectel RM502Q-AE M.2 module
    • 5G NR: 3GPP Release 15 NSA/SA operation, Sub-6 GHz
    • LTE Category: DL Cat 20/ UL Cat 18
    • Max data rates
      • 5G SA Sub-6 – Max. 4.2 Gbps (DL)/Max. 450 Mbps (UL)
      • 5G NSA Sub-6 – Max. 5 Gbps (DL)/Max. 650 Mbps (UL)
    • Host interfaces – USB 3.1 or PCIe 3.0
    • Dimensions – 52 x 30.0 × 2.3mm
    • Weight – 8.4 grams
  • Extra tall 40-pin GPIO stacking header
  • Power Supply – 5.1V 3.0A DC power adaptor with universal plugs
  • Plastic spacer kit

The kit, priced at $450, is compatible with various boards and computers, including the NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit, Beaglebone SBC, Asus Tinkerboard, NXP i.MX 8 devkits, and regular PCs, offering drivers and tools for both Windows and Linux. Additional components required for operation include a Raspberry Pi 5, a microSD card for the OS, a 5G SIM card (unless using the eSIM is an option), and an extra 5V USB-C power supply to separately power the Raspberry Pi 5 and Sixfab HAT.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Matrix v1.9 Specification Enhances Open-Federated Communication for IM, VoIP, and IoT

Matrix has announced the release of Matrix v1.9, a specification for open-federated Instant Messaging (IM), Voice over IP (VoIP), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication. This release is primarily a maintenance update, focusing on clarifications and bug fixes. The changelog for Matrix v1.9 includes changes to the Client-Server API, Server-Server API, Appendices, and Internal Changes/Tooling. One of the key features of Matrix is its messaging interoperability, allowing it to connect multiple messaging providers with a common communications fabric. Matrix has been working with the MIMI working group at the IETF to establish a federation protocol for messaging in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Additionally, Matrix is exploring the implementation of custom emoji/stickers, with ongoing discussions and experiments. Overall, Matrix v1.9 aims to improve the functionality and stability of the Matrix ecosystem, providing users with a reliable and secure communication platform.

Source: Matrix.

NixOS 23.11: The Latest Release

NixOS has released version 23.11 of its Linux distribution, named “Tapir”. This release will receive bugfixes and security updates for seven months.

The release saw 9147 new packages and 18700 updated packages in Nixpkgs, while also removing 4015 packages to maintain the package set. The release brought 113 new modules and removed 18, adding 1565 options and removing 362 in the process. Some of the highlights of this release include FoundationDB and PostgreSQL now defaulting to major versions 7 and 15 respectively, GNOME being updated to version 45, support for WiFi6 and WPA3-SAE-PK in the hostapd package, LXD now supporting virtual machine instances, and updates to systemd, sudo-rs, glibc, and more. Additionally, new services have been added, such as MCHPRS, acme-dns, frp, river, wayfire, mautrix-whatsapp, hddfancontrol, GoToSocial, Castopod, Typesense, NS-USBLoader, Mobilizon, Anuko Time Tracker, Prometheus MySQL exporter, LibreNMS, Livebook, sitespeed-io, stalwart-mail, tang, Jool, Home Assistant Satellite, Apache Guacamole, pgBouncer, Goss, trust-dns, osquery, ebusd, systemd-sysupdate, eris-server, forgejo, infiniband, zwave-js, Honk, ferretdb, MicroBin, NNCP, FastNetMon Advanced, tuxedo-rs, certspotter, audiobookshelf, ZITADEL, exportarr, netclient, trunk-ng, virt-manager, Soft Serve, Rosenpass, c2FmZQ, preload, and more.

There have been a number of backward incompatibilities, as well as additions and improvements to the Nixpkgs library. Overall, this release brings a number of updates, new features, and improvements to the NixOS Linux distribution.

Roundcube Webmail Merges with Nextcloud

In a notable development, the open-source webmail software Roundcube has joined forces with Nextcloud, a significant player in open-source personal cloud solutions.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to bolster Nextcloud’s webmail capabilities while expediting the ongoing development of Roundcube. Importantly, the merger is not positioned as an immediate replacement for Nextcloud Mail, ensuring a seamless transition for users and maintaining continuity in their experience. This strategic move underscores Nextcloud’s dedication to propelling the evolution of Roundcube, presenting an opportunity to realize objectives outlined in the crowdfunded Roundcube-Next project. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced integration and an accelerated development pace for both platforms, promising positive advancements in the realm of open-source webmail solutions.

Source: Phoronix.