[NTLUG:Discuss] CPU History

[Greg Edwards]

David wrote:
> On Mon, Jan 13, 2003 at 09:37:50AM -0600, Kyle Davenport wrote:
> 
>>I've never had a problem with the couple of 3Com's I've used.   I have to
>>say I never expect any official company support for anything.  It's like an
>>extra present that we can get drivers from Nvidia, for instance.   When
> 
> 
> It's no present from Nvidia, or at least, not any present I want.
> Nvidia's drivers are free beer, but not free speech.  Without the
> technical details of programming their chips, we are forever tied to
> Nvidia.  Our graphics run only at their convenience.  
> 
> I don't expect official driver support from hardware companies.  I do
> expect that they will release full technical specifications of their
> cards, so that we are empowered to support ourselves.
> 

Sorry David but I have to disagree with your opinion that about 
companies like Nvidia releasing their technical specs.  They don't do it 
for Windows drivers so why should we expect it for Linux drivers.

The fact that they are doing Linux drivers is a very good sign.  This 
means that support for hardware will be available on Linux just as well 
as it is for that other OS.  Actually if you think about it this has to 
torque off Master Bill since he can't seem to control these folks like 
he does Compaq and other PC makers.

If all computer companies released their specs then their profits and 
ability to survive would be toast.  Our business system depends on 
revenues and profits, not charity work.  That's the system the world 
works in and until that changes free software will be a nitch and not 
the rule.

I do believe that the OS is a different animal than add on applications 
and high performance video drivers.  I think that it's kind of like an 
engine in a car where you don't have to pay for the base model engine 
just to be able to drive off the lot.  Fully open OSes allow for freedom 
of choice and a more robust development environment for add on applications.

-- 
Greg Edwards
New Age Software, Inc.
http://www.nas-inet.com