The NVIDIA binary blob for Linux isn't compatible for the new Xorg 7.1 ABI

[Rupan_1]

If the nvidia developers would just release the linux source code then this wouldn't be a problem...

I tried to upgrade to Xorg 7.1 and got a message stating that the ABI had changed. Why hasn't nvidia released an updated version?

Please get an updated binary blob out.

[piewie]

This is really a never ending story.

NVidia, why don't you open the 3-D driver at least for chips lower or equal GeForce 4?

[arokh]

When will people learn to use the search function? This has been discussed up and down in dozens of other threads. There is good reasons to why they cannot open the source code. You really should educate yourselves before making silly demands.

Also, you CAN use the driver on 7.1 with some workarounds.

[Rupan_1]

These demands are not silly. FYI, I did search the forum before posting. None of the other "answers" from nvidia staff are reasonable. They claim, amongst other things, that:

1) they license IP from others that they cannot publish
1a) Fine. Release what IP you own. Barring that, release specifications.
2) it would open up their design to ${NA**** (i.e. ATI)
2a) thats just wrong. ATI can copy your design anytime they want -- they have the facilities to work with such products after all. Have you ever heard of something called a patent?

A good example of what could be done is the Matrox drivers. Release a binary library with the IP you can't disclose, but also release a usable source distribution with what you can.

NVIDIA is hiding behind corporate red tape and hoping that nobody will look their way. It is time to become responsible corporate citizens.

[Rupan_1]

You also bring up a very, very good point. What possible harm could come from releasing specifications for dated hardware?

The whole spirit of Linux is that you share how the system works. I wouldn't expect, for example, that a binary firmware for an embedded device should be released (unless, as in the case of Linksys, it makes illegal use of GPL code). Very little benefit could come of that in most cases. But something that plugs into the heart of the operating system and is closed violates the spirit and trust of the community.

Originally Posted by piewie

This is really a never ending story.

NVidia, why don't you open the 3-D driver at least for chips lower or equal GeForce 4?

[energyman76b]

Originally Posted by Rupan_1

A good example of what could be done is the Matrox drivers. Release a binary library with the IP you can't disclose, but also release a usable source distribution with what you can.

no, matrox is a really bad example.

Try to get a Parhelia running.

btw, there is already a binary library that contains a lot of the proprietary stuff. It is libGL.so.1.0.8762

[gbil]

What I don't understand here is are you trying to make a point that:

a)NVidia driver is a "blob" ?

If so, then stop using it and try ATI


b)NVidia driver doesn't work with Xorg 7.1 ?

If so, there is already a thread about it, use SEARCH!


c)You don't like NVidia driver is closed source?

If so, don't use it and use the open source one. What? It doesn't have good 3D accel? Well... it is your choise then.


The bottom line here is: Stop trolling, search the forum, if you don't like it don't use it and YOU develop a better open source driver!

[LubosD]

Originally Posted by gbil

if you don't like it don't use it and YOU develop a better open source driver!

Somebody would do that if there was some documentation (for the hardware we have BOUGHT).
It would be great if EU enforces HW manufacturers to open the documentation (like it does in case of M$ software)

[energyman76b]

there is a project working on open 3d nvidia drivers by reverse enginiering.

http://nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/

everybody who is complaining should help them.

[Lithorus]

Originally Posted by LubosD

Somebody would do that if there was some documentation (for the hardware we have BOUGHT).
It would be great if EU enforces HW manufacturers to open the documentation (like it does in case of M$ software)

That's only because they are a monopoly and uses this to hinder competition using their closed specs. Hardly comparable.

[macemoneta]

Originally Posted by energyman76b

there is a project working on open 3d nvidia drivers by reverse enginiering.

http://nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/

everybody who is complaining should help them.

Thanks for the link! Nvidia is the third largest manufacturer of video hardware, behind Intel (the leader, with almost 40% of the market) and ATI. Intel has open sourced its driver, and somehow it manages to have almost 40% greater market share than its closest competitor.

While Intel video is not as fast as ATI/Nvidia, it's good enough for 90% of the games out there, and the open source nature of the driver is very attractive.

I'm hoping that Nvidia (and ATI) decide to open source their drivers before my next hardware purchase, as I will only be purchasing hardware supported by open source drivers going forward - and a choice of vendors based on the merits of the hardware would be nice.

Of course, Nvidia could simply support the above project with information, and reap the benefits of having someone else do the work for free.

[d4rk74m4]

Originally Posted by macemoneta

Thanks for the link! Nvidia is the third largest manufacturer of video hardware, behind Intel (the leader, with almost 40% of the market) and ATI. Intel has open sourced its driver, and somehow it manages to have almost 40% greater market share than its closest competitor.

While Intel video is not as fast as ATI/Nvidia, it's good enough for 90% of the games out there, and the open source nature of the driver is very attractive.

I'm hoping that Nvidia (and ATI) decide to open source their drivers before my next hardware purchase, as I will only be purchasing hardware supported by open source drivers going forward - and a choice of vendors based on the merits of the hardware would be nice.

Of course, Nvidia could simply support the above project with information, and reap the benefits of having someone else do the work for free.

I doubt nvidia is willing to come forward with docs for the 3D engine on their cards any time soon (if ever). They won't even release docs on display detection and modesetting

At the moment I'd say ATI cards (<=r4xx series) would be the best bet for a card that has reasonable features (and open-source drivers). Hopefully the nouveau project will change this!