Thus spake David Maxwell (david@vex.net):

> 2) Security. You like running kernel code that hasn't been subjected to
> 	public audit? Just wait for the announcement someday... Linux
> 	tape backup device driver LKM provides back-door root login...

I don't think that hardware-vendors really do that for binary-drivers.
Or do you see this behaviour on NT/Solaris?

That's exactly the point - afaik many vendors produce binary-drivers
for Solaris.

> 	driver authors (who are too embarassed to let you see their code?)
> 	not to trojan your system - LKMs allow someone who does compromise
> 	your system to become completely invisible, and replace/intercept

Gnaaaaaar. Your PC can also explode.

I'm not sure at the moment: Can kernel-modules be load in securelevel > 0?

> 4) Platform support. So, what are the odds that PCI card vendor 'X' is

You guys don't understand my point: Opensource drivers are preferable,
since they have exactly the advantage you point out, but before I have
NO driver I prefer the binary one.

EOD

Alex

-- 
I need a new ~/.sig.