Messages in this thread | | | Subject | Re: obsolete code must die | From | Michael Peddemors <> | Date | 14 Jun 2001 20:48:44 -0700 |
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This seems to be drifting into that old argument(s) of a forked kernel.. And of course here I am adding to the flotsams..and threadsomes
2.5 for Pentium Plus generation.
<2.4 For older hardware..
Ducking the inevitable flames, I think for the most part, there might be justification for some forking.. (read obsolesence)
Anyone with a <486 probably shudders at the space and time requirements of compiling modern kernels.. All they need is the older kernels.. The older boxes don't support the new hardware anyways.. But then there is always someone who will find a way to marry a new PCI or USB bus to an older CPU, and it is nice that 'one kernel to bind them' philosophy of linux..
But in this age of 'disposability' more and more people just accept they have to buy new hardware every 3-5 years.. For those that want to maintain Linux on that, so be it..
Maybe we need more Alan Cox's, and then we could have sperate kernel trees, Linus's which is the mmmmmother.. (HI MOM!) and the pre-pentium tree, the post-pentium tree, the embedded tree etc..
But in reality, with all the people contributing now to one tree, there is still more work to be done.. Who wants to split those resources?
But it is a legitimate argument...
In reality, hardware needs drive kernel upgrades.. and of course some security issues.. Those who have older hardware aren't interested in upgrading the kernel, why should they.. it is rock solid as it is.. And newer machines don't need support for the older hardware..
If you want to stay bleading edge kernel wise, usually you stay bleeding edge hardware wise.. But it is nice the we now can apply the power of iptables to older 486 firewalls..
BUT as much as it might be cleaner, and a little less headaches to drop all the fluff that doesn't usually get used, is it worth dropping it when all newer hardware doesn't care about a little bloat.. *cough* I can't believe I just supported bloat.. Okay, me personally, I wouldn't mind seeing tiny litle kernels and tiny little code trees, makes me feel more effecient, and I don't get blurry eyes from grepping so much code..
(Personally sometimes I think all this new power is wasted in PC's is wasted, but I have to admit.. these 10 second compiles vs the old 28 hour ones are nice)
On 14 Jun 2001 02:13:29 +0100, Claudio Martins wrote: > On Thursday 14 June 2001 01:44, Daniel wrote: > > > -- If someone really needs support for this junk, they will always have the > > option of using the 2.0.x, 2.2.x or 2.4.x series. > > > > You mean you want 2.5+ series to just stop supporting all older hardware? -- "Catch the Magic of Linux..." -------------------------------------------------------- Michael Peddemors - Senior Consultant LinuxAdministration - Internet Services NetworkServices - Programming - Security WizardInternet Services http://www.wizard.ca Linux Support Specialist - http://www.linuxmagic.com -------------------------------------------------------- (604)589-0037 Beautiful British Columbia, Canada
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