I totally understand what you're saying here, and agree to a degree. What many of us may need to realize is that nVidia may have code in their drivers that are under an NDA from another party. If memory serves me, they're using code from S3 in the form of S3TC. Integrating support for this into their drivers could be the factor keeping them from releasing open source drivers. S3 isn't giving up the S3TC spec freely. Microsoft uses it and calls it DirectXTC. S3/S3Graphics still isn't releasing anything for the Savage4 and Savage2000 chips, both of which rely heavily on S3TC.
I tried repeatedly to get NEC/Videologic to release specs for the old PCX2 chip of theirs. They wouldn't because of an NDA.
-----Original Message-----
From: Quintin Holmberg [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 4:01 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [expert] Best Video cards for Linux?
George,
I also run an nVidia card and think it is great. I think the nVidia resentment comes in because they developed a kernel module for their cards to work with instead of doing it with a xserver like everyone else does.
I've seen a couple of posts where people say this causes instability in the kernel. I personally don't get it as kernel mods have the exact opposite are supposed to have the exact opposite effect. The Linux kernel is modular so you don't have to introduce potentially dangerous inconsistencies into the core of it in order to add devices.
I think the underlying rational / paranoia is actually that nobody wants proprietary code introduced to the kernel in any sort, form or manner. I can understand this one a little better. It could lead to a sliding slope kinda deal where more and more vendors develop proprietary kernel components and thus, over time, Linux becomes less and less open source. Additionally, there is no way to have the drivers work 'out of the box' as the kernel developers are never going to put proprietary code into the kernel (nor should they, before someone decides to flame me for that statement). I have to configure my nVidia card post-install. It's not that hard but I would prefer if it worked out of the box.
The community would rather have an API released to them so they can develop the necessary drivers. This is the essence of open source. The idea that the open nature of the code itself will lead to the highest possible quality while at the same time allowing for an open exchange of information for problem solving and ideas for improvements.
It will end up being somewhat of a boycott as was the same with Diamond a few years ago when they would not release the specs on their Banshee cards. Diamond eventually gave in and released the specs. I'm sure the community will try to do it again with nVidia. I would join the boycott myself but my card is in a laptop so it is just not practical to swap it out. Basically, my part of the boycott is to just not recommend nVidia cards until they decide to play by open source rules.
Anyway ... I hope that gives you a little understanding of where they are coming from.
--
Quintin
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of George Jones (IT)
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 8:05 AM
To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
Subject: RE: [expert] Best Video cards for Linux?
I'm using a GeForce2 MX. It runs beautifully. The only 3D game I have for Linux is Quake3 and it runs well. I would assume Tribes 2 would work well since it does under Win98.
Why does it appear to be a bit of Nvidia resentment?
-----Original Message-----
From: Expert [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 5:02 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Quintin Holmberg]
Subject: [expert] Best Video cards for Linux?
With all the hubbub about video cards,
which ones are the best for stability
and speed?
I currently use a pci S3Virge Dx,
has not died yet thank goodness,
but I don't have any idea on what
to use if it does.
Thanks
