I just wish to take a minute to thank two IM groups. 

First - The Manufacturers, who are at least supplying proprietary drivers for their hardware, to run in Linux.  If you've been around awhile, this group doesn't get much praise.  I wish to address that.  No complaining.  Give a ponder at this - So, let's say you work for a video card manufacturer, and this community known as Linux is crying for drivers.  So, you get assigned to support the customer, which you do, and you really solve a bunch of issues folks were having, and you feel justifiably proud.

Then, that same mouth you just fed, bites you for NOT releasing the driver as Open Source, alike their platform.  What?  You mean you want me to build something, support it, and give away any competitive advantage I might have over my competition at the same time.  Hmmm, let me get back to you on that one...  Since this is a company in pursuit of the almighty dollar, it makes sense the drivers for the hardware we wish to buy are not always open-source.  Software we wish to use is not always free.  I see a connection.  If you don't make a good enough product, you may not sell much.

Secondly - The OS Developers.  Their new implementation methods to allow for just such drivers to be easily implemented during a new install is just what Linux needs to de-geek the desktop.  Two distros I use now have this implementation.  Comparing the validate and authorize implementation to the older follow 6 different website "recommendations" to get a working PC, give me my drivers. 

All in all, big steps in the right direction, IMHO.  No, they aren't free or open, but they sure can "free" up your resources, time, and leave a great smile on your face with a great, well supported product.

Surf Safe

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