"Blob" and FreeBSD

[Adam Stroud]

What about drivers that are not part of the ports collection?  Nvidia I 
can understand because the code is not in the kernel to the best of my 
knowledge.  If you want *the* nvidia driver, you install the port.  What 
about drivers for something like raid controllers that would exist 
solely in the kernel?

A

Michael Hernandez wrote, On 3/29/2006 10:00 AM:
> 
> On Mar 29, 2006, at 9:45 AM, Adam Stroud wrote:
> 
>> I have been using both Open and Free BSD for a few years.  Here is a 
>> Quick question about FreeBSD and the use of third party closed source 
>> binary drivers (known as "blob" to the OpenBSD community).  I was just 
>> doing some reading on the OpenBSD website about their views on third 
>> closed source drivers (they are completely against them).  Are the 
>> FreeBSD developers/community also against the use of closed drivers? 
>> Are these type of drivers currently being used in FreeBSD?  Any 
>> comments/pointers to relevant information would be greatly appreciated.
>>
> 
> Actually I use FreeBSD at home because it allows be to use an Nvidia 
> "blob". Why? Because my video card cost me 500 bucks and I want to be 
> able to
> use it's hardware acceleration. It's frivolous, but it's too late for 
> me... I spent the money and I want to use it... and I *don't* want to be 
> forced to use windows.
> Is my next box going to force me to use blobs? Nah. I'm going to build 
> one that will allow me to enjoy it to it's full potential without having 
> to worry about
> proprietary drivers at all...
> 
> Mike
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