Linked by Thom Holwerda on Sun 23rd Sep 2007 13:42 UTC
Linux users want two things for their hardware: drivers; and easy access to those drivers. The first is finally happening; and now, thanks to a Dell Linux project called DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support), the other is on its way. Dell and Linux distributors have been working on DKMS for about five years now. Its purpose is to create a framework where kernel-dependent module source can reside, so that it is very easy to rebuild modules. In turn, this enables Linux distributors and driver developers to create driver drops without having to wait for new kernel releases. For users, all this makes it easier to get up-to-the-minute drivers without hand compiling device drivers.
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Member since:2006-06-21
One advice: pay attention. Your post is completely messed up.
I was talking of SuSE as an example of a distro that would readily embrace the DKMS way of doing drivers, not as a hardware vendor.
And you seem to be under the impression that DKMS means companies don't have to write code anymore, somehow. Please share what you're smoking.
Member since:
2006-02-12
The bottom line is that I think you've completely misunderstood the idea behind this. Yes they do want to circumvent the whole Linus approved process but more importantly a framework would allow for an easier and faster development and could eventually attract a lot more companies to linux support. Right now it is quite expensive for a company to create a linux driver for it's hardware because linux driver developers are not that easy to come by and they are also quite expensive compared to windows ones. Considering the small market share of linux it is no-brainer than Dell would be pushing for some changes. Oh and Novell has absolutely nothing to do with this initiative. I don't know why you'd think otherwise ... they sell software not hardware.