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No Closed Video Drivers For Next Ubuntu Release
lisah writes "Ubuntu's next release, Feisty Fawn, is due out in April and, according to company CTO Matt Zimmerman, proprietary video drivers failed to make the cut for the default install. Zimmerman told Linux.com that although the software required for Composite support is not ready for prime-time and therefore will not be included in Feisty, Ubuntu hasn't given up entirely on including video drivers in future releases. '[T]he winds aren't right yet. We will continue to track development and will revisit the decision if things change significantly.' Ambiguous or not, the decision to exclude proprietary drivers for now should satisfy at least some members of the Ubuntu Community. In other Feisty Fawn news, the Board also decided to downgrade support for Power PC due to a lack of funding." Linux.com and Slashdot are both part of OSTG.
Why the fuck has discussion continued past this point? This is really the only thing you need to read, aside from the other interesting post stating that, just like all previous Ubuntu realeases, the proprietary drivers will still be available in the repositories if a user wants them. As many have already said...
NOTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE PREVIOUS RELEASES.
In my opinion, the installation procedure should prompt the user and ask them if they prefer to use open alternatives or closed binaries for any particular driver that has either option, with an accompanying explanation for those new to the concept, and some pros and cons listed for both.
Is it really that hard? Then everyone can shut up and stop whinging, because there's a CHOICE, and neither option (closed or open) is "forced" onto the end user, which they then have to change post-installation.