A constant thorn in the eye of many Linux kernel developers is the existence of closed-source kernel modules, most notably those by Nvidia and Ati, but also some file system drivers and other elements. Most of the Linux developers have been against these modules ever since they were first used, and in fact, bug reports originating from a tainted kernel are often disregarded and ignored. The kernel developers have now rallied together by issuing a statement urging vendors to release open source Linux kernel modules and drivers.
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Member since:2006-02-05
This is a disturbing trend lately.Freedom is defined by a bunch of people and who doesn't like their definition of freedom ought to be shot on sight.
Might be the same people that praised Nvidia years back for supplying good drivers for Linux when nobody else did.
As for practicality:
With the current state of xorg I rather exercise my freedom to use a binary nvidia driver.
Dude, you took the words out of my mouth. I have seen more and more on the web about forcing people into the GPL with laws, and it disturbs the hell out of me.
I used to think Atlas Shrugged was a load of crap, I don't know if it is because I am just getting older and my views are changing, but I keep seeing more and more of it going on in the world.
Member since:2005-07-06
Member since:2006-03-23
Member since:2006-03-23
Member since:2007-07-16
Sorry, but that is what called free market. And all the companies want to be in a free market, because that would be the best ever. Now that the tables are being turned and they find out what it really means they start to cry. They starting to realize that free market also means that others can choose for you.
So yes I choose against NVidia by not buying there products and going for supplier who're willing to comply to my demands. One of them is that I want developers to have access to documentation to write a driver. Please note that I'm not saying I'm demanding a driver from NVidia for example.
And to be honest I'm not unhappy to make GPL my golden standard. It has been for over 12 years now and I never felt sorry. It really saved my ass over the years and people near to me are slowly starting to see what I have been talking and doing about. Freedom is more than only code and its something worth fighting for, but in the end you'll benefit.
Like I'm now having hardware with almost endless software support, or not being monitored will I download new versions of the software I use, or not being forced into buying a new version of Office/Operating System. But also not losing my data since it has been placed behind walls of closed standards, dead code, IP lawsuits.
If that is the price I have to pay to use a driver that gives me 60 FPS instead of 65 FPS then it will be. I'm not going for any short term pleasure when I can get long term happiness. This is one to think about and I advice you to think about it. Making the choice is difficult when you start, but it is rewarding I can assure you. It will also change your life and thinking more then you may expect.
Just my 2 cents
Member since:2007-07-12
Member since:2006-02-05
The free market is letting market forces decide where the market goes. What the origional poster was talking about is making it illegal to not choose GPL.
I have no problem with linux (been using it on and off for almost 8 years now), or open source (i frequently contribute patches to the open source libraries I use). I think both are fantastic, and it is great to have an alternative eco-system in the software world. I don't even have a problem with legislation around open standards for file formats in governments for publicly owned documents and information.
I have HUGE problems with legislation around making the GPL mandatory, as I believe that it is completely inappropriate for large segments of the industry. Let open source compete on its own merits, those merits are there and they are valuable.
In a free market you vote with your dollar. Send NVidia an email letting them know they lost you as a customer because of how they chose not to release a free version of their driver. If enough people do that, they will open up their source. That is a free market at work.
Member since:
2007-08-03
If they just don't feel like it they should be made feeling like it in the name of freedom of choice.
This is a disturbing trend lately.Freedom is defined by a bunch of people and who doesn't like their definition of freedom ought to be shot on sight.
Might be the same people that praised Nvidia years back for supplying good drivers for Linux when nobody else did.
As for practicality:
With the current state of xorg I rather exercise my freedom to use a binary nvidia driver.