Compatibility compendium for Linux launched

Easy way to find what works with what.

By Matthew Broersma | Techworld
Published: 08:10 GMT, 11 July 06

A new database will tackle one of the persistent problems facing Linux deployments - figuring out what hardware is and isn't compatible.

The site, launched by Phoronix on Friday, joins similar efforts from linuxquestions.org, and linuxcompatible.org among others.

Many individual Linux distributors, such as SuSe, Red Hat and Mandriva, also maintain their own hardware compatibility lists.

Phoronix's system is designed to create a centralised repository which the Linux community can add to and maintain, though some early users have criticised it as too unstructured.

"This system allows you to post GNU/Linux information on hardware as well as sharing your own personal experiences when it comes to GNU/Linux compatibility," said the site's editor-in-chief, Michael Larabel. "This is designed to make it... effortless when deciding what GNU/Linux compatible hardware to go with during your next upgrade."

The site's launch underscores the fact that hardware pain remains a fact of life in the Linux world. Drivers for WiFi hardware have come under particular scrutiny in the last few years, with companies such as Devicescape Software specialising in developing Linux drivers for different WiFi chipsets.

Devicescape recently released its Advanced Datapath Driver under the GNU Public License, which could make it far easier for Linux to be used as the core of wireless electronics, since it should allow developers to immediately adopt the latest WiFi hardware. >/p>

The software could put WiFi support directly into the Linux kernel for the first time.

Novell is building a new way of handling hardware drivers into SuSe Linux Enterprise 10, out this summer, which aims at getting hardware to work when it isn't yet supported in the current kernel.

The Partner Linux Driver Process allows vendors to provide drivers to users direct, independently of Novell's process of updating the kernel used in its SuSe Linux distributions.

Currently, administrators can find themselves in a position where support for particular hardware is available, but hasn't yet been built into the kernel.

What are your views on this subject? Use the form below to post a comment on this article up to 500 characters.

Characters remaining: 500

Related Applications news

Toyota in Prius global recall after braking software fault

Car maker will replace antilock braking software in 400,000 cars worldwide

09 February 2010

Microsoft updates ASP web apps tool

ASP .Net MVC 2 to simplify rich application development

Symphony 3.0 beta signals another attack on Office

IBM ramps up pressure on Microsoft on productivity applications

Microsoft to drop Linux and Unix from enterprise search

Fast Search to be Windows only

Related Applications reviews

Symantec Norton Ghost 15 review

Foursquare review

Ashampoo Office 2010 review

Email this article to a friend or colleague:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.

Techworld White Papers

Challenges and opportunities of PCI

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard provides an enterprise structure for improving operational, security, and audit performance. The benefits of the PCI DSS go beyond audit costs and results.

Download Whitepaper

Database security: Preventing enterprise data leaks at the source

IDC discusses the growing internal threats to business information, the impact of government regulations on the protection of data, and how enterprises must adopt database security best practices...

Download Whitepaper

Six essential steps to successful IT centralisation

This report, based on the real experience of a recent centralisation project, is aimed at those involved in IT strategy within their organisation. It provides some practical insights for CIOs, CTOs, Heads of IT, IT Directors and those involved more closely with the service management function.

Download Whitepaper

Application Grid: The ideal platform for IT consolidation

Evaluating the opportunity for consolidation of middleware — Java application servers and related technologies.

Download Whitepaper

Techworld UK - Technology - Business

COLT White Paper

Are all VoIP services the same?

Questions to ask your service provider to ensure you get the VoIP service you need
With careful choice of partner, your business can have all the advantages of VoIP access - reduced costs, flexibility and simplicity - without the drawbacks.
This white paper is your guide to ensure you get right the VoIP service and details the pitfalls which businesses would do well to avoid.

Download white paper
COLT White Paper

IT Misuse Survey

Complete this survey and you could win a Nexus One

Techworld are running a short survey to discover how UK businesses are managing Internet and email misuse in the Enterprise.

Complete Survey

Webcast: IT Financial Management: Cost Optimisation for Efficiency and Agility.
On Demand Webcast
Join this webcast to learn about the techniques and technologies that can help you prove the value of IT to the business by understanding the true cost of today's IT services and those that will be necessary to deliver future success.

Register Today

Site Map

IDG Network

* *