this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2023
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Luis Chamberlain sent out the modules changes today for the Linux 6.6 merge window. Most notable with the modules update is a change that better builds up the defenses against NVIDIA's proprietary kernel driver from using GPL-only symbols. Or in other words, bits that only true open-source drivers should be utilizing and not proprietary kernel drivers like NVIDIA's default Linux driver in respecting the original kernel code author's intent.

Back in 2020 when the original defense was added, NVIDIA recommended avoiding the Linux 5.9 for the time being. They ended up having a supported driver several weeks later. It will be interesting to see this time how long Linux 6.6+ thwarts their kernel driver.

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[–] intelati@programming.dev 80 points 1 year ago (46 children)

Riddle me this, why is there such a thing as proprietary drivers for anything? Especially consumer facing products like this?

Don't you want anyone and anything using your product in any situation? Help me understand NVIDIA's bit with this?

[–] Blackmist@feddit.uk 12 points 1 year ago (30 children)

I assume nVidia have licensed other code that they don't have the rights to distribute the source code for.

I get what the GPL fans want here, but it's just going to lead to a gimped driver, no driver, or an even larger shim between the open and closed source bits. The Linux market is too small for nVidia to care.

[–] You999@sh.itjust.works 19 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (7 children)

The Linux community is literally Nvidia's biggest market. The current Linux market share in data centers is currently estimated to be 77%.

[–] Zatujit@reddthat.com -5 points 1 year ago

Sure but they don't play 3d video games do they?

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