In preparation for the Linux kernel 4.0 release, the project’s official website Kernel.org has been renamed The Hurr Durr Archives. And a goofy, confused-looking Tux appears as the project mascot on the new site.
Linux creator Linus Torvalds recently settled a kernel community debate over whether the newest kernel version, code named “Hurr Durr I’ma sheep,” should stick to the 3.2x numerology, or update to 4.0, posting on git:
“.. after extensive statistical analysis of my G+ polling, I’ve come to the inescapable conclusion that internet polls are bad.
Big surprise.
But “Hurr durr I’ma sheep” trounced “I like online polls” by a 62-to-38% margin, in a poll that people weren’t even supposed to participate in. Who can argue with solid numbers like that? 5,796 votes from people who can’t even follow the most basic directions?
In contrast, “v4.0” beat out “v3.20” by a slimmer margin of 56-to-44%, but with a total of 29,110 votes right now.
Now, arguably, that vote spread is only about 3,200 votes, which is less than the almost six thousand votes that the “please ignore” poll got, so it could be considered noise.
But hey, I asked, so I’ll honor the votes.”
The Kernel.org re-branding is timed to precede the momentous release of the new Linux kernel 4.0.
Torvalds on Sunday announced 4.0-rc6 saying, “Things are calming down nicely, and there are fixes all over.” The 4.0 release will likely come in just a few short weeks.
Editor’s note: April Fools joke or not? What’s your take? Add your two cents in the comments, below.