Debian developers released the release of the third version candidate for the installer the next major version of Debian 11, "Bullseye".
Currently with the launch of this third version there are still 48 critical blocking errors of versions (a month ago it was 155, two months ago 185), regarding the key changes in this new version of the installer compared to the second candidate version we can find the following.
The Linux kernel has been updated to version 5.10.0-8, in addition to that for the version arm64 in module pwm-rockchip added to udeb fb-modules and fusb302, tcpm and typec modules were added to usb-modules, while for armhf in mdio-aspeed module added to nic-modules and it is also highlighted that the problems with the detection of network connectivity in i.MX6 boards were corrected.
Moreover documented actions have been added may help in case of failure during charging (eg black screen) and information on using isenkram was also added to identify missing firmware and resolve issues arising from this.
Let's start with some news about firmware support (# 989863):
- We do not want to leave users in the dark if the system installed does not boot properly (eg black screen, distorted screen). We mentioned that possibility in the installation guide and a list of some solutions, that log could help either way.
- We also document an isenkram-based procedure that allows users to detect and repair missing firmware on your systems, in an automated way. Of course, you have to weigh the pros and cons of using that tool as you most likely need to install non-free packages.
It is also mentioned that for non-free installation images, including firmware packages, have been enhanced to determine if installed systems require additional firmware (for example, firmware for AMD and Intel graphics cards or Intel sound cards). Hw-detect adds support for installing additional firmware packages if the udev database items include modality templates with DEP-11 metadata.
On the other hand, it is also worth mentioning that the community has launched an open beta test for the next version of Debian 11, in which even the most inexperienced novice users can participate, in order to carry out and share the evaluation of the hardware state on Debian 11.
Full automation was achieved after the hw-probe package was included in the new version of the distribution with which the operability of individual devices can be independently determined from the logs. In addition, a repository updated daily with a list and catalog of tested hardware configurations was organized.
The repository will be updated until the expected release of a new version of Debian 11, after which it will become the place to collect system usage statistics for the next two years.
For those who are interested in being able to participate in this initiative, they should know that the program does not start automatically, so users who want to help with the collection of the information must run the application by opening a terminal and in it they will type the following command :
sudo -E hw-probe -all -upload
As for those who want to know more about this initiative or about the collection of information, they can consult the details In the following link.
Finally, we must also remember that a few days ago the base of the Debian 11 package "Bullseye" went to the complete freezing phase, with which any transfer of any changes to the packages is blocked and requires permission from the team responsible for training. of the launch, with which basically any serious error, vulnerability detected will be the ones that are addressed.
As to release of this new version, it is mentioned that it is scheduled for August 14.