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Free/Open Source Software Hardware Requirements?

Posted by Cliff on from the flip-side-of-the-ole-chestnut dept.

Bender asks: "Most on Slashdot seem to be concerned with getting Free/Open Source software to be compatible with hardware (firmware, register sets, etc). My question is from the other side of the table: I'm in the hardware business and I'm wondering if there are any central guidelines to better guarantee compatibility with Linux/*BSD. As an example, to guarantee that our hardware runs Microsoft Windows, we have to conform to the Windows Logo Program Requirements. These requirements dictate (among other things) firmware interfaces, debug ports, and DRM. Some of these requirements, if not implemented carefully, could trigger incompatibilities with non-Microsoft operating systems. Is there a Linux/*BSD equivalent to the Microsoft requirements to allow hardware designers to build OS agnostic systems?"

2 of 228 comments (clear)

  1. Re:To make it work with linux... by operagost · · Score: 5, Funny

    He said "Major Kernel Programmer," so you will need a commission and about 10 years in the Army. Too much trouble for a few free SATA controllers I'd say.

    --

    Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
  2. Just a coincidence move along now. by mlush · · Score: 4, Funny
    Some of these requirements, if not implemented carefully, could trigger incompatibilities with non-Microsoft operating systems.

    <Microsoft>Thats not a bug its a feature</Microsoft>