> > "uncommon kernel"? Come on, how many RedHat 7.0 systems do
> you think there are/have been?
>
> Honestly, I don't know - have been a Windoze man for too long
> and only just jumped on the Linux bandwagon.
>
> However, understand that while I do NOT want to step on the
> toes of those who produced the wonderful ESSG and SME, I
> stand by the assertion I made (and this will be backed by a
> number of my peers) that Kernel 2.2.19 is not common. What is
> common ? Well, IMHO, that would be something that most people
> know about and support (in this case, I assert that the old
> 2.2.16 - RH 6.2 and the newer 2.4.x - RH 7.1 and above are
> common, my copy of RH 7.0 GPL version which I downloaded
> directly from RH's FTP site uses kernel 2.2.16 and not
> 2.2.19). That is also why most hardware manufacturers only
> have support for the more "popular" (and hence "common")
> versions of RH kernels.
>
> I have already chosen the word "uncommon" after some thought
> as I used to call it "non-standard" (if you searched the
> forums, Ho ! Ho! ) and decided that kernel 2.2.19 is not
> non-standard as a kernel (does not make sense to call it
> non-standard) but rather "uncommon" because RH distributions
> are better known for 2.2.16 and 2.4.x.
This kernel version is a very common 2.2 kernel version, released and used by many people who maintain servers running linux with a 2.2 kernel; The 2.2 series has a proven track record of being robust.
Im glad you havent called it non-standard, because that would be just plain wrong. Redhat kernels are well known for their 2.2.19 version, depending on the circles you mix with.
Ive usually found if I annoy someone long enough and provide them with the src rpm for a kernel version you can get them to recompile their drivers. Usually support for the major version of a redhat kernel is enough, few overlapping changes occur between release numbers, so its not a great deal of work for the company.
Your not asking them to open source their driver, that would be usefull, but just asking them to provide precompiled binary drivers against a certain kernel that is publicly available.
If you try sending an email to them, saying you can get the src rpm from X mirror, can you provide pre compiled drivers for Y card so I can purchase it and use it with linux. If they fob you off, publicise their contact details and a few others might also send emails in asking for this to be provided. They want to sell their products right? If theres demand for it they will often act.
--
Damien
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