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Kernel Builders Appeal For Open Source Drivers
snydeq writes "The Linux kernel development community has released a statement emphasizing the need for open source drivers. The statement, signed by 135 developers, is aimed at preventing future vendors from following the closed source path. One holdout cited is Nvidia. The Linux Foundation has also released a statement in support: 'The Linux Foundation recommends that hardware manufacturers provide open source kernel modules. The open source nature of Linux is intrinsic to its success. We encourage manufacturers to work with the kernel community to provide open source kernel modules in order to enable their users and themselves to take advantage of the considerable benefits that Linux makes possible.'"
Thats so that there can be 165 signatures rather than 164
Happy Puppy User
In other news Linus Torvalds has announced that he's working on a cutting-edge AI project. It was under wraps, but a really interesting post on a well-known tech community site, persuaded him of the need to release details earlier than planned.
Torvalds described the AI as being part of an 'Free Software enforcement bot', code named 'The Stallmanator'. Features include:
'I need your patents, your code and your motorcycle.'
'Free your hardware specifications and drivers, if you want to live.'
'I'll be busy (eating Cheetos)'
'The GNUNet funding bill is passed. The system goes online on August 4th, 1997. Human decisions are removed from Debian package management. GNUNet begins to learn at a geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14am Eastern time, August 29th. In a panic, they try to pull the plug.'
'Hurd up, homies.'
With DARPA backing this project, I don't think the likes of nVidia or Lexmark will hold out for long. They're likely to get 'Stallmanated'.
It must be nice being able to predict the future.
You don't need to. Just throw away her perfectly working old computer and buy her a new one. As an heir to a vast fortune I know how to deal with money; it's hard to understand why anyone would think twice about paying a modest 1000 Dollars for the convenience of having a different Linux pre-installed. I mean, it's not like that's even spare change.
- P.H.
USE HOT GRITS WITH STATUE OF NATALIE PORTMAN (NAKED AND PETRIFIED)
Actually I think you're right. I got the TurboPrint drivers originally so I could get the extra resolution for my Canon IP6700D Pixma, not the Lexmark C532dn. But I have this recollection of trying the new TurboPrint drivers with the Lexmark, and the TurboPrint drivers ended up giving a lot more configurable options than the free driver (and a better print quality as well I think, but my memory is hazy). Didn't know you could extract directly from the Windows drivers. Imagine how annoyed I'll be if I ever found out that's all that TurboPrint has done :)
I'll never forget the time I bought a $48 HP deskjet at CompUSA. The salesdroid comes over trying to sell me the warranty package for replacement.
Him: Would you like to buy an extended warranty with that?
Me: I'm good man.
Him: What if your printer breaks? You can get a one year coverage policy that'll replace it.
Me: Really? What's it cost?
Him: 50 dollars
- me looks at printer price tag -
Me: For that price, I could just buy a new printer and have two dollars left over...
- him walks away -
I'm going to start a business selling incompatible hardware to clueless Ubuntu users. When they donate them back to my newly-founded charity, I'll auction them off to the ever-expanding pool of clueless Ubuntu users. It'll be like perpetual motion, except with money.
[ think ]