Linux creator Linus Torvalds has posted the near-final release of the Linux 2.4 kernel to the kernel.org website.

In making available to developers the so-called 2.4.0 Test10-Final release, Torvalds noted that the beta has no known "show-stopper" bugs. If testers do not discover any serious bugs, Torvalds could release the final 2.4 kernel some time this month.

In his posting to testers, Torvalds said: "This kernel hereby gets anointed as one of the 'greased weasel' [a phrase taken from a fishing line brand that describes a near-final release] kernel series - one of the final steps in a stable release.

"We're still waiting for the Vatican to officially canonise this kernel, but trust me, that's only a matter of time. It's a little known fact, but the Pope likes penguins too."

Torvalds originally wanted to release the version last year but said the addition of new features took longer than expected. The developments include support for high-end servers and features such as PC universal serial bus standards.

Linux distributor Red Hat said the delay does not make a great deal of difference to the product release, and executives added that users will be able to upgrade using Red Hat Network Services automatically.