I know some people think I only say wonderful things about Linux and bad things about Windows. Wrong. I call them like I see them. Most of the time, while wearing my operating system umpire’s cap, I see Linux making the right hits… Most of the time. Sometimes, though, Linux strikes out and it surely has with the recent e1000e Ethernet bug.

This bug is found only in the pre-release version of the 2.6.27 Linux kernel. If you’re using a conventional Linux, you don’t have to worry about it.

But, if you’re living on the bleeding edge of technology and want a run a beta Linux that’s using the 2.6.27 kernel, do not, do not run until you’re sure your machine doesn’t use the Intel ICH8 and ICH9 chipsets, with the 82566 and 82567 Ethernet chipsets. If you do, you’re very likely to fry your Ethernet’s firmware and you can say bye-bye to your network connection.

More >