> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tethys [mailto:tethys@it.newsint.co.uk]
> Subject: Re: [Q]: Linux and real device drivers
>
> > Downloading a file off the net, having it run - prompting for the
> > root password, then having it compile a module, install it, then
> > exit should be enough.
>
> Far too complex. There's no need to have to compile the driver.
> A user should be able to download a binary module and have it
> inserted by <random-gui-sysadmin-tool>.
True. In a perfect, constant kernel API world (and constant
distribution vendor-installation API world). It also enables us to
implement a signing method whereby vendors could test and fingerprint
a driver (like active-X).
> That's not to say the vendor shouldn't provide source as well, but
> source shouldn't be necessary for the average user to get a new
> device working.
The issue with this being that Alan and Linus reserve the right
(quite rightly IMHO) to change API's due to brown-bag issues.
> Besides this is purely a distribution issue (in the sense that they
> need to provide the appropriate tools to painlessly load a module),
> it's not really kernel related at all.
If the method were released by the kernel team, it would be adopted
by all vendors (debian, caldera, redhat etc...). Leaving it to each
vendor leaves us open to 1) it not being done (as present) or
2) fragmentation (e.g. HP scanner driver requires Redhat 6.1).
Tim
> Tet
>
> --
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> -------------------------+-------------+----------------------
----------------
> tethys@it.newsint.co.uk | Micro$oft | Linux; the choice of
> a GNU generation
> tet@astradyne.co.uk | Just say no | See
http://www.linux.org for details.
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