On Sat, 30 Sep 2000, Marc Lehmann wrote:
> However, I think attacking other free softwrae projects because of *bugs*
> is just childish at this point - after all, this discussion was about
> supporting distributions that - without technical reasons - make their
> products incompatible to what one would call "standard linux", and that I
> do not think that the kernel should support such doings.
>
That RedHat Thread was degrading into a name calling match...
But it does have one core element that maybe should be discussed, and that can be a
relevant and productive discussion for this list.
'Standard Linux'
Should the core kernel define a standard Linux??
And what does the community think of distros that veer from the standard?
Should the 'standard' be set in stone?
ie should we say that ALL distros have to ship with, and be compatible with the
standard kernel? If a distro has a patch that they want in the kernel, and the
mainstream kernel doesn't feel it belongs, should it be labeled differently?
Do we go with a Debian Linux, Redhat Linux, etc.. accepting that they are all
different, but from a common heritage or should there be a 'seal of approval' so that
a distro can indicate it is 100% linux mainstream, as in
SomeDistro Linux, '100% Linux Standard Compliant'
Thoughts?? I know our Linux Distro is non-conformant because of our FreeS/WAN and
encryption patches.. Yes, we are still Linux, but I know we shouldn't get the '100%
...Compliant' label.. Of course, from a marketing standpoint, I would hate to carry
that stigma, but I think it is prudent that our customers have the right to know that
their experience with other Linux's may not be sufficient, or that down the road they
may be forced to use us for support, or get/buy 'LinuxMagic' software rather than
'100% .... Compliant' versions of the software if we choose to not be compliant.
That is the risk of using our product if we are not compliant, even if we perhaps
happen, or claim to be the best/greatest/fastest thing since sliced bread, and blow
away the '100% Compliant' version. At that point we aren't really Linux but a Linux
variant that is still opensource, uses the Linux metholdolgy, and albeit a close
dirivitive.. but still not really Linux..
Some companies are using 'open-source' monickers as a marketing ploy... As if
'open-source' means that it is some sort of industry standard.. And although the
freedom of open source in the development community means great things for all, the
end consumer wants standards. Maybe it is time that standards, (And accepting patches
or changes to the kernel while rejecting others IS a standard whether we call it such
or not) are openly claimed to be such, even if those standards are dictated by Linus
himself, the community at large by consensus, or a representing body.
Either that or I see a very real possiblilty of fragmentation of the development of
Linux products as the corporate needs start to dictate what 'Linux' is..
Oh, and don't get me wrong, fragmentation will happen as two people differ on what
they think is best.. Otherwise we wouldn't have so many flavours of Unices out there
too. Some guys at Berkely might still be dictating their thoughts of what is best..
and we would all be using it..
Linus?? I wouldn't mind hearing you thoughts on formally declaring a 'standard' on
kernels..rather than an assumption that it is :>
(Side Note: had one of my sysadmins that needed to install a server with a DAC960 Raid
controller.. The standard Linux kernel had no support for it so he had a choice.
Patch it, or use the RedHat version. Do we say that this controller is not supported
by Linux, but is supported by RedHat Linux? Are we not then saying we have two
different OS's??)
--------------------------------------------------------
Michael Peddemors - Senior Consultant
Unix Administration - WebSite Hosting
Network Services - Programming
Wizard Internet Services http://www.wizard.ca
Linux Support Specialist - http://www.linuxmagic.com
--------------------------------------------------------
(604) 589-0037 Beautiful British Columbia, Canada
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