This is a plea to all hardware manufacturers: Please create Linux drivers for your hardware. OK, so Linux isn't the Stormin' Norman of the Desktop arena but that doesn't mean its users don't want or need drivers for hardware. I don't blame the kind volunteers that donate their time to program bits and pieces of the Linux kernel and associated programs but I do blame the hardware manufacturers for not supporting a huge user base of Linux users. I'm tired of it and it's time for action.
Here's what we can do:
1. Any time you find a piece of hardware that doesn't have a Linux driver, write to the manufacturer and request that a Linux version become available for it.
2. Boycott any hardware that doesn't explicitly work with Linux.
3. Check hardware compatibility lists and only purchase hardware that does work with Linux.
4. Document your experiences with hardware successes and failures and post them to your blogs or notify me and I'll post them.
5. Join the Linux Foundation or the community distribution network of your choice and contribute (time, money, resources) to the project.
Collectively, we can put enough pressure on hardware manufacturers to supply Linux drivers for their hardware. It's in their best interest to do so.
Manufacturers say that there isn't enough Linux deployed to justify spending resources on creating Linux drivers and potential business adopters say that without proper driver support, they'll never make the switch. So there you have it. A classic standoff. A stale mate. No one will make a move because no one can move.
Join me in my new quest to convince hardware manufacturers to supply us with much needed Linux drivers.
Write back and tell me if you've made any progress or received answers to your requests. I'll post them here in a future entry.
