> You let VM and MVS kernels read "plain files". > Why should Linux be different?
Where and when and how MVS and VM read plain files doesn't necessarily match where, when, how Linux does. Even if they lined up, it doesn't follow that Linux should follow. VM is wonderful, as you know, Alan. But just because VM does something doesn't make it right. Why should Linux be different? Because of the Unix model Linux is based on. Another example would be where MVS has such a weak notion of filesystem. Unix, Windows, OS/2, and many others, including CMS and CP, all have a much stronger concept of "filesystem". FS is one point. User/kernel sep is another. That clear idea of filesystem -vs- the underlying media (disk or otherwise) proves invaluable to VM, Unix, and the rest. Similarly, a strong isolation between kernel and user space enhances stability and security. If someone took a short-cut (in reading /etc/chandev.conf instead of taking module parms) ... ... well, that's one of the reasons some of us are so mad at Redmond. I'm asking. I'm open. But if there's a bad trend starting, then let's see it changed in the next DevWorks release. Please? -- R; ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For LINUX-390 subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: INFO LINUX-390 or visit http://www.marist.edu/htbin/wlvindex?LINUX-390
