[linux-dvb] Re: Difference btw Binary Only Kernel Modules andFirmware

[Malcolm Caldwell <malcolm.caldwell@ntu.edu.au>]

Not that I can add much to this discussion but...

On Mon, 2003-12-22 at 23:12, Egon Single wrote:
> Just a philisophical question. Most of you will know that binary only kernel
> modules are real evil. You just have to listen to Linus who keeps repeating
> this. Now I ask myself what is difference between binary only kernel modules
> and the binary only firmware in the DVB driver?

(This expands on something Ralph said)

Remember: almost all hardware these days has firmware - eg. Hard drive
controllers, graphics cards etc.  Most times that firmware is in
rom/flash etc. Some hareware manifacturers have had the good wisdom to
make their fireware easily upgradable.

Do you expect any hardware device manufactured to come with source to
its hardwired firmware?  Why should firmware that is downloaded to the
device at driver startup be any different?  Perhaps we should say that
devices that have hardwired firmware can work with a stock kernel, but
not devices with downloaded firmware?

(Anyway - this is not the place to discuss this stuff - and I doubt I am
adding much that has not been said by others before)

> The following appear to be contradictions in terms:
> Linux developers want to be able to examine every piece of critical code.
> Software producers are looking for a way to protect their IP.
> 
> Can the firmware approach help to resolve this conflict? Or is it just
> another name for the same old game? I am grateful for your comments.
> 
> Best regards
> Egon
> 
> 



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