💻OpenBSD 8.0 Boosts VMs, Cuts Bugs
OpenBSD 8.0: VMs get a big upgrade, but no Bluetooth
TL;DR
OpenBSD 8.0 launches with support for multiprocessor VMs with up to 64 virtual CPUs and a 512 GB virtual memory address space. But it's still missing Bluetooth and other subsystems, sticking to its security-first philosophy.
OpenBSD 8.0 has arrived with a major boost for virtual machine users, supporting multiprocessor VMs with up to 64 virtual CPUs and a 512 GB virtual memory address space. This is a big deal for anyone running complex workloads in a VM environment. The new release also includes OpenSSH 10.6 and LibreSSL 4.4.0, enhancing security. However, OpenBSD remains true to its minimalist approach, dropping Bluetooth and other subsystems in favor of a clean, secure core. The release also fixes a decades-old shared-memory bug and includes a port of Wine for running 64-bit Windows binaries on x86-64.
Key Points
OpenBSD 8.0 supports multiprocessor VMs with up to 64 virtual CPUs, a 512 GB virtual memory address space, and OpenSSH 10.6.
The default C compiler is Clang/LLVM 22, and the release includes LibreSSL 4.4.0.
Support for the Loongson architecture has been dropped, but the SPARC64 edition uses Clang/LLVM 22.
A decades-old shared-memory bug was fixed, enhancing security and stability.
A 64-bit Wine port for x86-64 allows running Windows binaries, but lacks sandboxing.
Why It Matters
If you're running complex workloads in VMs, OpenBSD 8.0's support for up to 64 virtual CPUs and a 512 GB address space is a game-changer. But if you need Bluetooth or other subsystems, you'll have to look elsewhere. OpenBSD's security-first approach means fewer vulnerabilities but also fewer features.
Comments
Be the first to comment
Enjoyed this article?
Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.
Join 3,569 builders reading daily.