Linux and desktop graphics [LWN.net]

Linux and desktop graphics

Posted Sep 1, 2005 12:44 UTC (Thu) by rknop (guest, #66)
In reply to: Linux and desktop graphics by eyal
Parent article: Linux and desktop graphics

Two or three years from now you may not be able to buy a video adapter that has any 2D API. What then?

Then we're really screwed, because there may be no video adapters for which free drivers of any kind are available.

We'll either have to give in and start using proprietary drivers, or we'll have to keep running Linux only on old, scaveneged hardware.

-Rob

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Linux and desktop graphics

Posted Sep 1, 2005 16:02 UTC (Thu) by rjw (guest, #10415) [Link]

What is more likely is that "minimal" open source 3d drivers will be released, just using a fixed function pipeline, with basic performance ( equivalent to a 9200). The snazzy features (that are most likely to reveal patent infringing hardware) will be locked up in the proprietary drivers.

There is very little that can be done to fix this without getting rid of the patent system altogether:
* Outlawing pure IP speculation ( these are what they are really scared of, there is nothing they can cross licence with these guys. They just want a payoff.)
* Shortening patent terms.

These are pretty unlikely. So what we can hope for is that the APIs ( OpenGL & DirectX) become so high level that they are implemented directly on the card, and the drivers are a very thin shim that just passes data through to them. Then the driver reveals very little, and can be open sourced.

Linux and desktop graphics

Posted Sep 1, 2005 21:59 UTC (Thu) by cventers (subscriber, #31465) [Link]

Another option is a class action lawsuit against the major GPU
manufacturers for refusing to release the specifications needed to
communicate properly with their hardware that you've paid for. True, you
didn't have to buy it, but if they start getting a market lock, such a
practice could be deemed to be in support of a monopoly.