[5309] in RedHat Linux List
Re: On supported hardware (was Re: 3com Bommerang netcard)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Robert Hart)
Wed Nov 20 15:50:18 1996
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 07:46:37 +1100 (EST)
From: Robert Hart <hartr@interweft.com.au>
Reply-To: Robert Hart <iweft@ipax.com.au>
To: redhat-list@redhat.com
cc: tintype@zedalis.com
In-Reply-To: <Pine.SOL.3.95.961120093808.4011A-100000@chaos>
Resent-From: redhat-list@redhat.com
On Wed, 20 Nov 1996, Sheldon E. Newhouse wrote:
> 1. As new products become available *and* tested, they get added to
> the Hardware HOW-TO. It is very important that this be kept up-to-date.
> The Linux Hardware HOW-TO is now dated 14 Nov, 1995, and is not
> up-to-date. It especially does not warn users about the Adaptec
> problems.
>
> Right now, AFAIK, problems such as those found with the Adaptec cards can
> only be realized by going to the appropriate news-group (or is it mailing
> list?). It is unreasonable to expect people to check many lists to find what
> is well supported.
>
> We need to have a place where tried and tested hardware is listed.
> Up-to-date Hardware HOW-TO could be the place.
> Should there be another place?
>
>
> Perhaps we should have a list of recommended systems.
> This might make some dent in the hardware world.
A few points -
a) HOWTO's - as with all parts of the Linux world are written by people
who have donated their time and effort. There is no way we can pressure
them to be faster with updates. As the author of one HOWTO and one
mini-howto (and possibly taking over a second HOWTO) I know exactly how I
would react to such pressure...
b) The situation with the support for new hardware is the same - it is all
voluntary. Given the way Linux operates as a cooperative development
project using the GNU copy left, I do not see this situation changing.
> 2. Companies that don't supply specs and don't cooperate with Linux
> should be explicitly mentioned, avoided, *and* written to. Hardware
> sellers (especially those of full systems) should be told that their
> hardware will not be bought because they don't support Linux.
Writing to hardware manufacturers is an excellent idea. This did seem to
work in the case of Diamond! There are a few companies whose
products I would like to use (notably Xircom and their pcmcia
ethernet/modem card) but who will not cooperate in terms of specs.
I would be against a 'list of supported hardware' as this will bet
incredibly long and runs the risk of users/manufacturers complaining that
their clone ET4000 or CD or NE2000 etc etc is not listed.
Much better IMHO is to have a list that specifically warns users AGAINST
buying particular hardware. Even this will be long, but I can see that it
might well put pressure on manufacturers.
I would suggest that this be discussed with producers of the major
distributions (Hellooooo Red Hat...) with a view to having the list hosted
at their site.
Robert Hart iweft@ipax.com.au
Voice: +61 (0)3 9735 3586 http://203.29.72.65/
InterWeft, 35 Summit Road, Lilydale, Victoria 3140, Australia
IT, data and voice networking
Strategic IT business planning
Internet planning, implementation, security and configuration
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