NetBSD 10.0 Debuts: Enhanced Hardware Support and Performance

The latest version of the NetBSD operating system, NetBSD 10.0, has officially been released, marking a significant update for the platform. This new release brings a host of improvements and features, most notably in hardware support and system performance. The development of NetBSD 10.0, which began in 2019, culminates in what is described as a substantial leap forward for the open-source operating system.

One of the standout features of NetBSD 10.0 is the introduction of WireGuard support, providing users with a modern and secure VPN solution. Additionally, this release extends support to a wide range of newer Arm platforms, including Apple Silicon and the latest Raspberry Pi boards, broadening the operating system’s compatibility with current hardware. NetBSD 10.0 also includes a new Intel Ethernet driver and adds support for Realtek 2.5GbE network adapters, enhancing its networking capabilities. Performance improvements are another key aspect of this release, with notable enhancements in Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) performance, leading to more efficient use of multi-core processors.

Security hasn’t been overlooked, with NetBSD 10.0 introducing automatic swap encryption to better protect data. The accumulation of hardware support improvements over the past four years is also significant, ensuring that NetBSD remains compatible with a wide array of devices and systems.

Source: Phoronix.