When is the Last Time You Booted to Windows?

[Mikkel L. Ellertson]

Mike McCarty wrote:
> Andy Green wrote:
> 
>> Mike McCarty wrote:
>>
>>
>>>> The manufacturers accept such restrictions only because they know a
>>>> binary-only distribution is acceptable, for example, in the Windows
>>>> world.  At the edges already Linux challenges this assumption (because
>>>> the benefits using it brings outweigh the risk from loss of obfuscation
>>>> of the code) and can bring about change.  So it isn't enough to
>>>> consider
>>>> the situation as it is, one also needs to consider what Linux can make
>>>> be by its policies towards closed source modules.
>>>>
>>>> I don't buy the story that certain classes of device can never have
>>>> open
>>>> source drivers regardless of all considerations.  If Linux is desirable
>>>
>>>
>>> Who argued this? I haven't seen this argument.
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the explanation put forward by the binary-only wireless network
>> companies, that regulatory requirements mean there can be no OSS
>> wireless drivers because it would facilitate using the PLLs on the chip
>> outside of the allowed frequencies for the countries it is sold in.
> 
> 
> Hmm. Actually, this makes sense. It would be a lot cheaper this way
> than actually to ship different hardware. And the regulations make
> it clear that it cannot be something someone could easily figure out
> and change as a user.
> 
It would make since if they were supplying different drivers
depending on where they are selling the device. But what I have
seen is that the installer asks what country (drop-down menu)
and this determines what channels the driver uses. So all you have
to do is pick a different country... So a closed-source driver
does not insure compliance...

Mikkel
-- 

  Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
for thou art crunchy and taste good with Ketchup!