Linux vs. Closed-Source Kernel Modules

25 Jun

Posted by 嘉佑 as 推荐日志

There’s an uneasy relationship between Linux and some of the bits that make it work on many computers - closed-source kernel modules. These modules - NVidia video card drivers are the most notorious example - add substantial, and sometimes critical, functionality to Linux without themselves being open source. Now a group of kernel developers are on the record with their opposition to these modules.

The group of over 100 kernel developers, in a statement hosted by the Linux Foundation, pull no punches:

We, the undersigned Linux kernel developers, consider any closed-source Linux kernel module or driver to be harmful and undesirable. We have repeatedly found them to be detrimental to Linux users, businesses, and the greater Linux ecosystem.

The statement closes by urging vendors to provide open source kernel modules where this would benefit customers - pointing out that this would also allow the open source community to support the modules, cutting down on vendors’ support costs.

While this is a noble sentiment, it’s unclear how much impact it will really have on the vendors concerned. Certainly vendors like NVidia and LexMark already know that the Linux community is less-than-happy with them, but have still chosen to go the closed-source route. Particularly in the video driver case, the advantages of preserving a proprietary lead on the major platforms may well outweigh, in strict dollar-and-cents terms, any goodwill with the open source community.

Over the long run, efforts like the Open Graphics Project may have more effect than public statements. If it does prove possible to sell a completely open system at a profit, that will get the major vendors’ attention in a way that has not yet been possible.