TL;DR
Fedora users faced limitations with the outdated kernel console, fbcon, which lacked maintenance and features. The solution implemented is kmscon, a userspace terminal emulator that enhances keyboard support and security.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers can leverage kmscon for improved console security and functionality in Fedora environments.
Key Takeaways
Full Summary
Fedora's kernel console, fbcon, has been problematic due to its poor maintenance and lack of features, such as scrolling support, which was lost due to a security vulnerability (CVE). To address these issues, kmscon, a userspace terminal emulator based on Linux kernel mode setting (KMS), has been introduced as a replacement.
Kmscon offers improved keyboard support and enhanced security, making it a more suitable option for modern systems. The implementation involves installing kmscon by default and updating the systemd service link to ensure it starts automatically when switching virtual terminals (VT).
This change also allows kmscon to function without requiring a graphical library, making it ideal for non-graphical installations. The transition to kmscon marks a significant step towards deprecating the outdated fbcon and fbdev emulation in the kernel.
Overall, this change enhances the console experience for Fedora users and aligns with modern security practices.
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