[Info-vax] X86 first boot? - A Really Stupid Question

[Simon Clubley]

On 2019-03-29, Michael Moroney <moroney at world.std.spaamtrap.com> wrote:
>
> How does Linux/BSD deal with all the hardware/need for drivers?
> Can they handle that because they have a zillion people willing to develop drivers?
>

As I have just told Phillip, it's also a lot quicker and easier to
write and debug a device driver on Linux than it is on VMS.

> Another issue are companies who may not want to release proprietary device info to
> some rinky-dink company called VSI. I saw this myself once long ago, when I asked
> for information on talking to a UPS over a serial port.  The person I talked to
> seemed willing at first but later wouldn't, and it sounded like an order not to from
> above.
>

I've tried this in the past for hobbyist purposes and quickly gave up.

Fortunately more open hardware options have become available in recent
years.

As for serial ports, FTDI wanted an NDA before they would release
detailed information to me. I gave up and used another option. :-)

Simon.

-- 
Simon Clubley, clubley at remove_me.eisner.decus.org-Earth.UFP
Microsoft: Bringing you 1980s technology to a 21st century world