Has Linux Kernel Module Support Improved in Recent Years?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the improvements in Linux kernel module support over recent years, particularly in comparison to Windows. Participants explore the reliability of loading and unloading modules during runtime and the overall experience of using Linux for various applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether Linux kernel module support has improved in the last year or two, citing past reliability issues compared to Windows.
  • Another participant mistakenly refers to KDE and GNOME as kernels, prompting a clarification that they are window managers, not kernels.
  • A participant mentions their personal experience with Linux, noting that they have not encountered slow boot times or reliability issues with module loading, and they highlight good support for USB devices in newer kernels.
  • One participant expresses a need for Linux for research purposes, indicating that certain libraries do not function well on Windows and that they prefer to avoid using Visual C++.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the state of Linux kernel module support, with some sharing positive experiences while others raise concerns about past issues. The discussion does not reach a consensus on whether improvements have been universally experienced.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and may not represent the broader community's perspective. The discussion includes varying levels of familiarity with Linux and its kernel module support.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to users considering a switch to Linux, developers working with kernel modules, and researchers evaluating operating system options for specific applications.

damgo
[SOLVED] Linux kernel module support

How is it these days? IMO this is one of major areas where Linux used to lag behind Windows. Loading/unloading modules during runtime was not always reliable and sort of a pain... has it been improved in the last year or two?
 
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linux's KDE and GNOME kernels are available for update from time to time, you just need to download it from source.
 
Saint - KDE and Gnome aren't kernels, nor do they have their own kernels. They're window managers for XFree86.

Anyhow, to answer damgo's question..


How is it these days? IMO this is one of major areas where Linux used to lag behind Windows. Loading/unloading modules during runtime was not always reliable and sort of a pain... has it been improved in the last year or two?

As I've only been using Linux for a little while (<8 months) I can't comment on how much slower the modules used to load. However, most of my modules are not built into the kernel and have to be loaded separately, and I haven't noticed a slow boot time because of it. So far it's been very reliable and faster than Windows. There is also a lot of support for USB and things of that nature in newer kernels. I have all of my fun stuff (palm pilot, digital camera, etc.) working with linux. Thinking of going back to linux? :wink:
 
Partially. :smile: I need it to program in for research -- I am NOT going to use VC -- and the geant libraries don't play nice on Windows anyways. Plus, LaTeX is pain in the ass on Windows.
 

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