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.'"

Comments

Breakng news

[Anonymous Coward]

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:

• parachuting into enemy headquarters;
• target, seek, interrogate, and destroy hostile egg-headed CEO's;
• 'IntelliChairSense' - a 360 degree flying-chair-threat detector;
• special persuasion tactics for coercing proprietary software loving devs, lawyers, CEO/CIO's to see the light of Free software;
• a selection of quotes, which are planned for the MiniStallmanator doll, that the kids will just love (said with a realistic Schwartzenegger accent):

  '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'.

Re:Dell printers (re-branded Lexmark hardware)

[MLS100]

It must be nice being able to predict the future.

Re:Dell printers (re-branded Lexmark hardware)

[Jesus_666]

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.