Linux is probably adequate for quite a number of computer users (when installed on compatible hardware) who only browse the web, e-mail, do basic word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
The problem is with the users who want(/need) to play the latest games or run a specific application for which there is no Linux port or alternative.
I'm using Ubuntu here and love it, but I have to keep Windows on my work desktop because I run acoustics simulation software. There's no mass market for this software and the cost to the developer of porting it just doesn't make sense. Maybe Wine will be able to run it in the future, I don't know.
The same is true for some hardware vendors. They typically won't invest in guaranteeing Linux compatibility until there is sufficient demand (economic forces) and that demand is restricted by the lack of hardware/application support...
Firstly, should this really be posted on/. ? This is a support/hardware forum posting.
The answer is simply that the P965 chipset has no native PATA controllers in it and so motherboard manufactures provide support for these legacy interfaces (decided as legacy by Intel) through a 3rd party controller chip which is not controlled by the BIOS and requires device drivers to be used. Motherboard manufactures have realised the continued need for PATA ports which is why they are kind enough to provide the extra chip. So no BIOS update will fix this and yes it is a trend, pushed by Intel (and potentially other chipset manufacturers), which will continue. It could be considered that Intel's decision to drop PATA was a little premature due to the relative lack of SATA DVD drives, but DVD drive manufactures have said that the majority sold with finally be SATA by the second half of 07.
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Linux is probably adequate for quite a number of computer users (when installed on compatible hardware) who only browse the web, e-mail, do basic word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
The problem is with the users who want(/need) to play the latest games or run a specific application for which there is no Linux port or alternative.
I'm using Ubuntu here and love it, but I have to keep Windows on my work desktop because I run acoustics simulation software. There's no mass market for this software and the cost to the developer of porting it just doesn't make sense. Maybe Wine will be able to run it in the future, I don't know.
The same is true for some hardware vendors. They typically won't invest in guaranteeing Linux compatibility until there is sufficient demand (economic forces) and that demand is restricted by the lack of hardware/application support...
Firstly, should this really be posted on /. ? This is a support/hardware forum posting.
The answer is simply that the P965 chipset has no native PATA controllers in it and so motherboard manufactures provide support for these legacy interfaces (decided as legacy by Intel) through a 3rd party controller chip which is not controlled by the BIOS and requires device drivers to be used. Motherboard manufactures have realised the continued need for PATA ports which is why they are kind enough to provide the extra chip. So no BIOS update will fix this and yes it is a trend, pushed by Intel (and potentially other chipset manufacturers), which will continue. It could be considered that Intel's decision to drop PATA was a little premature due to the relative lack of SATA DVD drives, but DVD drive manufactures have said that the majority sold with finally be SATA by the second half of 07.