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OpenBSD Drops Support For Loadable Kernel Modules

Posted by Soulskill on from the loadable-kernel-modules-have-had-it-too-good-for-too-long dept.

jones_supa writes: The OpenBSD developers have decided to remove support for loadable kernel modules from the BSD distribution's next release. Several commits earlier this month stripped out the loadable kernel modules support. Phoronix's Michael Larabel has not yet found an official reason for the decision to drop support. He wagers that it is due to security or code quality/openness ideals.

7 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. If they're doing it, it's correct. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    As far as I'm concerned, the OpenBSD developers are as close to infallable as software developers could ever hope to get.

    If they've decided to do this, then it's just the correct thing to be doing.

    1. Re:If they're doing it, it's correct. by ZorkZero · · Score: 5, Funny

      That sound you just heard in the distance? The puckering of a million Linux fanboys' butts.

  2. Not Your Typical Loadable Kernel Modules by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    It's probably because OpenBSD's "LKMs" are so ancient, limited, and inflexible that nobody bothers to use them. I imagine if there were demand they would have adopted a more modern loadable module system, more akin to what's found in FreeBSD, NetBSD, Linux, etc.

    This isn't news. It's more Phoronix spam.

  3. Phoronix, why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "...Michael Larabel has not yet found an official reason for the decision to drop support. He wagers that it is due to security or code quality/openness ideals."

    I know Phoronix is infamous, but, wow...

    The OpenBSD mailing lists are right there. You're already reading them! Many developers frequent them daily. All you need to do is post a question! Hell, send an email to Ted himself if you're that shy. Why bother writing this article without doing the most basic of research?

    1. Re:Phoronix, why? by NoImNotNineVolt · · Score: 4, Funny

      Well that's no fair, you must've RTFA!

      --
      Chuuch. Preach. Tabernacle.
  4. Re:When was the last time you compiled a kernel? by preaction · · Score: 4, Informative

    I use ports all the time, and I've never compiled my own kernel. From what I recall, everything available in the OpenBSD kernel is always enabled by default. The only reason to compile a new kernel is to remove something from the default kernel.

    Removing the LKM means someone can't maliciously load a module that screws everything up. The malicious entity would have to replace your kernel and then force a reboot.

  5. Not Your Typical Loadable Kernel Modules by chriscappuccio · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This is it. Old implementation, low quality, and NOTHING USES IT. Bye bye!