Star Kernel Devs: Closed Source Modules 'Harmful and Undesirable'
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 24th Jun 2008 12:07 UTC
Linux 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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RE[2]: I don't care
by dagw on Tue 24th Jun 2008 14:45 UTC in reply to "RE: I don't care"
dagw
Member since:
2005-07-06

If they cannot allow people to use the products they bought and paid for, maybe they should not be in the business of selling hardware?

If a piece of hardware cannot be used, for whatever reason, in the environment you intend to use it, then maybe you shouldn't be buying it. If a company is happy with their hardware only being bought and used by Windows users and they're making a profit on the business model I really fail to see the problem.

It's not that I'm not an OSS supporter, I am. I also think that it would be great if more companies would use open source for their products. But I don't think they should be forced in anyway. They should do so because it's good idea for their company. If they think they can make more money and run their business better using close source then I'm fine with that. I may simply chose to not buy their product.

Buying hardware that has no or bad Linux support and then complaining that it doesn't work under Linux just doesn't make sense. It's not like these things are impossible to check out before buying.

If I need a graphics card with DirectX10 support I make sure it has it before I buy it. If I need a graphics card with support for a certain OS I make sure it has it before I buy it. No different

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