[lugm.org] the importance of hardware documentation

[Daniel Shaw]

On 4 January 2012 10:23, Loganaden Velvindron <gnukid1 at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> I'm sick of wading through linux source code to get clues about how some
> crappy piece
> of IDE controller is supposed to work. IDE is OLD technology, what's the use
> of locking
> documentation ? SiS, Broadcom and the other stupid manufacturers should stop
> behaving
> like a bunch of idiots and just put hardware docs on FTP like realtek, & VIA
> do.

You are absolutely right!

> The large open source vendors
> (Linux, OpenSolaris ?, and freebsd) do not push for hardware documentation to be
> available.

However, this is where I disagree. Perhaps not all vendors push and
perhaps the ones that do, do no do so hard enough. But many Linux
vendors are aware of this issue and do make some effort.

In any event, agree or disagree, my suggested course of action is to
vote with your dollars or rupees: Don't buy hardware with SiS or
broadcom chipsets. Try to always pick the models that use Realtek,
Via, Intel etc.

Have a great 2012!