[LUAU] Intel Doubles Down on Linux

[Hawaii Linux Institute]

Tim Newsham wrote:

> This could be win for linux, but could turn out to be a lose for
> other platforms.  Many vendors are inclined to provide binary-only
> drivers.  This would definitely aid the vast linux community but
> might make it harder for other operating system communities to
> convince vendors to provide the information needed to write drivers
> for their platform.  Lets hope the pressure encourages the release
> of technical information that enables open source driver development.
>
> Tim Newsham
> http://www.lava.net/~newsham/

Apple took BSD and turned it into arguably the most user-friendly 
desktop OS (at least definitely better than Microsoft Windows).  Sun's 
Solaris desktop, while received very little attention locally, runs 
smoother than any Linux-based desktop I have seen for business use.

Both of these examples involve ability of specific vendors to provide 
optimized drivers and fuse them to the kernel.  Intel's move should 
remove this one of the most serious handicaps of Linux.  (Of course 
Intel will not be able to include its proprietary drivers in the kernel, 
but you can bet that most distros will be happy to include Intel's 
drivers.)  A new issue then arises, will this cause Linux to be turned 
into an Intel-dominated or even Intel-monopolized platform?  I share 
your concern.

The August issue of Linux Format has a special section on the recent 
revolutionary changes made in X.  I have not had time to digest it, but 
it is a highly recommended reading.  From my own experience, I don't 
think the hardware makers in Taiwan will be willing to share their specs 
(and they really shouldn't).  But Intel's move is going to force them to 
face the Linux issue.  Finally!  Wayne