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The Need for Open Hardware

Posted by Cliff on from the stuff-to-think-and-talk-about dept.

bwt asks: "With all the talk of DRM lately, it occurs to me that the entire concept depends on limiting the choice for computer hardware. OK, so the proper reaction to the copyright industry's attempts at PC market control is to be able to build a PC that they can't control. I know there have been some discussions on open hardware, but most if it was prior to the emergence of DRM as a real threat. In fact, Richard Stallman wrote an editorial in 1999 and said 'Because copying hardware is so hard, the question of whether we're allowed to do it is not vitally important.' DRM has perhaps changed that. Isn't the need for open hardware becoming critical? What is the status of the open hardware efforts?"

2 of 382 comments (clear)

  1. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  2. For starters.. by Ogerman · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    STOP SUPPORTING NVIDIA and their proprietary Ge-Whiz video game toys!! Buy ATI or Matrox instead. These companies both actually document their hardware and support Open Source developers! Who cares if your buddy gets 10fps higher in QuakeNukem III Arena Gold-Edition Whatever. It's a freak'n video game, people. And of course, ATI has the performance crown anyways now with the Radeon 9700 series.

    So yeah, ideally we do need more Open Hardware. But at least, we need all hardware to come with very complete register level documentation, plus vendor supported GPL drivers. Considering the ridiculous markup on flimsy PC hardware produced in overseas sweatshops, I don't think this is too much to ask, do you? So vote with your dollars, folks. Demand full docs and support or take your wallet elsewhere.