The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Linux Foundation’s Linux Kernel History Report 2020 is a retrospective of Linux kernel development from the project’s first release in 1991 through the tagging of Linux 5.8 on August 2, 2020. It is not a full account of the calendar year: upstream releases 5.9 and 5.10 came later.
What the Linux Foundation report covers
Published in August 2020, the report traces the kernel’s history from its first release on September 17, 1991, drawing on early releases and community commits recorded in BitKeeper and Git. Its endpoint is Linux 5.8, tagged August 2, 2020.
At that cutoff, the Linux Foundation described the record as spanning 29 years and containing more than one million commits. Those figures belong to the historical record through the 5.8 tag; they are not a count of commits made during 2020. The publisher presents the report as a history of the project and the development practices and tools that support collaboration at scale.
The Foundation also places open-source software in the context of business systems and products such as cloud computing, IoT, smartphones, laptops, servers, and infrastructure. That is broad context, not a quantified measurement of Linux use.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why “2020” does not mean the whole year
The report’s title identifies its publication year, while its historical dataset stops on August 2. Kernel development continued afterward. The kernel’s process documentation describes a loosely time-based cadence, with major releases usually arriving every two or three months; its example history dates Linux 5.5 to January 6, 2020.
| Milestone | Date | What it indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Linux 5.8 tagged | August 2, 2020 | The endpoint of the report’s historical snapshot. |
| Linux 5.8 archive entry | August 3, 2020 | Kernel.org’s archive lists the release on this date. |
| Linux 5.9 archive entry | October 12, 2020 | An upstream release after the report’s cutoff. |
| Linux 5.10 archive entry | December 14, 2020 | The archive’s date for the release; kernel.org’s current release page gives December 13. |
The difference between the 5.10 dates reflects the dates shown by two kernel.org pages: the archive timestamp and the release page’s stated release date. They should not be silently treated as one date.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the report says about collaboration at scale
The million-plus commit figure gives a sense of how extensive the project’s recorded development had become by the 5.8 cutoff. It does not, by itself, explain how those contributions were organized. The report’s historical scope includes development practices and tooling, and the kernel’s ongoing release process offers useful context: a typical release is described in the 5.10 documentation as containing about 13,000 changesets and changes affecting several hundred thousand lines of code. Those are general descriptions of a typical release, not measurements of a particular 2020 release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to understand Linux 5.10’s long-term status
Kernel.org currently identifies 5.10 as a long-term upstream release maintained by Greg Kroah-Hartman and Sasha Levin, with a projected end of life in December 2026. This is a live projection checked October 4, 2026, and can change.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Upstream status is not the same as support policy for a Linux distribution. Distributions maintain their own kernels, and their version bases and support schedules can differ from kernel.org’s branches. A user checking whether a particular system is supported should consult that distribution’s documentation and lifecycle information rather than infer support from the upstream 5.10 listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Where to read the report and follow the kernel timeline
- The Linux Foundation announcement introduces the report and its historical scope.
- Kernel development process documentation explains the typical release cadence.
- Kernel.org’s v5.x archive lists upstream release entries.
- Kernel.org’s release page shows current release and maintenance information, including the warning that distribution support can differ.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
