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> In the time since that comment was written (just under 5 years), Linux replaced most graphics drivers with ones based on in-kernel modesetting and the DRI2 in
by slacka 13y ago
> In the time since that comment was written (just under 5 years), Linux replaced most graphics drivers with ones based on in-kernel modesetting and the DRI2 interface. This was done without breaking applications. So, the assertion that changing the video driver model would be disruptive is kind of disproven by reality.
mjg59, I could not disagree more. Without working drivers what good are working apps? I can run my Radeon x1900 under Windows 7/8 with Windows Vista drivers. Runs StarCraft2 and newer FPS games just fine.
The Linux kernel devs are so determined to break binary compatibility, I haven't been able to run with ATI's proprietary binary drivers for years. While AMD was a good open source citizen and released the specs, the open source drivers for my card are useless for anything other than 2D. That's about as disruptive as it gets.
- hga 13y ago"The Linux kernel devs are so determined to break binary compatibility...." Well, of course. As long as no one else can use their drivers, they won't get a serious competitor in open source land. Pity about the rot in official drivers, though (e.g. for me, the latest is USB 1.x sound dongles in debian lenny -> squeeze). Which suggests to me that if I wanted to write a OS that could become really popular I should use Windows device drivers in a microkernel approach where each lives in its own address space and process. Hmmm.