Re: Linux-2.1.92 - Feature Freeze

Perry Harrington (pedward@sun4.apsoft.com)
Fri, 3 Apr 1998 22:33:06 -0800 (PST)


>
> It really is wise.
>
> The MicroSoft PnP standard is truly a really _bad_ standard. I refuse to
> have that kind of setup in my kernel - the whole point with Linux it to
> have an operating system that is _better_ than the crud MS keeps throwing
> out.
>
> Have you noticed how well Linux autodetects hardware even _without_ any PR
> sticker that says "PnP" on it? PnP is just a marketing term. We need some
> very minimal support to avoid trampling on some IO ranges etc, but we
> don't want anything more than the minimal requirements, because we aren't
> going to make the same silly mistakes MS does.
>
> Linus
>

Far be it for me to argue with the master of all that compiles. This
discussion is turning into a philosophical one about the validity of
features, just like the whole GGI mess. For ANY interface that is
important, such as PnP compatibility, it needs some kernel code. Saying
that M$ did it wrong is only an excuse that you can use for while.
Yes, M$ does espouse the epitomy of crap, BUT that crap is who we're
trying to run Linux on (unfortunately too many Costco, Circuit City, and
other wherehouse shops push these). I agree that the kernel is the wrong
place to put the kitchen sink, but we at least need a supply line and
drain! The kernel should have the minimal amount of code needed to
support the hardware in an efficient and robust manner. Only if a
particular extension can be proven worthy, should it too be included.

But, to attempt to dodge the PnP issue because of M$ bigotry, doesn't
get you running on those flawed devices. I hate M$ more than you do.

The kernel should have enough code to gracefully handle and detect PnP
devices, it DOESN'T need a full "find me an IRQ and IO range, and do
it non-invasively" implementation, but it needs enough to work.

--Perry

-- 
Perry Harrington       Linux rules all OSes.    APSoft      ()
email: perry@apsoft.com 			Think Blue. /\

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