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This is the Linux kernel developers fault to begin with. Microsoft does not break driver API for every minor update of the kernel. In fact with my Radeon x1900
by slacka 14y ago
This is the Linux kernel developers fault to begin with. Microsoft does not break driver API for every minor update of the kernel. In fact with my Radeon x1900 I am running it under Windows 7 with Windows Vista drivers. Runs StarCraft2 and a bunch of newer FPS games just fine.
On the other hand, Linux is a disaster. The kernel devs are so determined to break binary compatibility, I haven't been able to run with ATI's proprietary binary drivers for years. AMD was a good open source citizen and released the specs. And yet the open source drivers for my card are useless for anything but 2D.
I am thankful that Google came along and is forcing a standard in the kernel. I welcome this "binary world".
- gnarbarian 14y agoThe approach isn't without merit. Promoting open source is important. If there was a stable binary driver interface we would have far fewer open source drivers. With open source drivers we have added security and the ability to fix bugs. Not to mention the ability to maintain them ourselves if the need arises. I've heard it argued that it's for this reason that Linux is more successful than other more liberally licensed open source kernels like the BSDs. Regarding your Radeon card. I Hold Linux support very highly in my requirements for buying new hardware. For this reason I've always bought Nvidia cards over ATI. You can't just buy anything and expect it to work flawlessly. Saving $30 on the purchase of a graphics card has hidden costs. ATI can't even make a decent windows driver let alone a Linux one. http://lwn.net/Articles/159313/ http://lwn.net/Articles/159313/