What is this?

pf-kernel is a desktop-oriented Linux kernel fork. Its name is by no means related to BSD Packet Filter. “pf” stands for “post-factum”, the author’s nickname.

Join official #pfkernel channel @ Libera.Chat IRC and official Matrix room: #pf-kernel:envs.net.

OK, what’s there in your patchset?

Currently, pf-kernel incorporates:

• compiler CPU optimisations
• userspace-assisted KSM
• v4l2loopback
• BBRv3
• zstd v1.5.6
• amd-pstate driver enhancements
• per-core energy counter for AMD CPUs support
• iowait behaviour removal for cpuidle
• random fixes here and there

Please note linux-stable is omitted intentionally. pf-kernel branches directly off Linux GA releases.

How do I get it?

The full list of all the releases, including the latest one, is available here.

But I want binary builds!

There are Arch Linux binaries available for various x86_64 ISA levels:

• generic x86_64
• x86_64_v2
• x86_64_v3
• x86_64_v4

I saw linux-pf package in AUR, is it supported?

Yes!

Where is Fedora, Gentoo etc?

Some unofficial packages are maintained here:

• Gentoo

Please don’t ask me to fix or update them, I just host some links. But if you know that some other distributions also support pf-kernel, let me know.

I have an idea for you!

Please let me know.

Reminder

As per GPLv2, this program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Please keep this in mind.