[PLUG] Linux and driver blues...

[Mike Connors]

Michael Robinson wrote:
> On the ReactOS forums, it has been suggested that
> Linux lacks a coherent driver model so that every driver has to be
> ported every time a new kernel comes out.  Is this true?  It has been
> suggested that Linux doesn't do well with proprietary drivers from one
> kernel to the next.  
>   
First, let me just say that I am as ignorant as anyone about the Linux 
Device Driver Model. So I
Googled and read this post
[http://www.linuxfoundation.org/collaborate/publications/linux-driver-model#Linux_Device_Driver_Model]
on the Linux Foundation web site. I would encourage you as well as the 
people on the ReactOS forums to
read it as well with the goal of being able to have intelligent and 
useful conversations regarding it...

Some key points:
"Linux today supports more hardware devices than any other operating 
system in the history of the world. It does this using a development 
model significantly different from the familiar Windows device driver 
model."

"The Linux driver model is different from the Windows model many IHVs 
are used to. But it is a consistent and compelling approach, and has 
been successful at supporting nearly the entire universe of computer 
hardware. Moreover, the vast majority of all IHVs have adapted to Linux 
and have thriving businesses that work with the Linux driver development 
model."

I've personally run into a driver issues with my ATI video card and 
Intel 3495 Wi-Fi chipset. Yes, it can be frustrating to have to compile 
drivers from source or go read threads and install different drivers, or 
try different hacks. I don't connect a lot of peripherals such as 
digital cameras, cell phones, iPod, PDA's, and such to my Linux laptop. 
I'm sure if I did there's a good chance I might be a bit more frustrated 
w. the lack of driver support for these types of consumer electronics 
devices.