[wlug_org] Re: [wellylug] DSE & Linux

[Wood Brent]

> My point for posting was to mention that NZOSS has been trying to get a
> "Linux Friendly" programme off the ground (for about a year), as a way
> of certifying hardware which is easily used with Linux.  "Plug it in and
> it goes" is pretty much the level they're aiming for.  It'd have a
> different logo (not just a pengiun for Linux drivers, but something
> indicating it's "Linux Friendly").
> 
> The major issue (at least when I was watching) was getting people to set
> the standards (eg, must work out of the box with these distributions...)
> and do the testing.  I'm sure they'd appreciate volunteers.

They had several people willing to unertake the role of certifier. They had
problems sorting what suitable qualifications were. There was a strong push to
require some sort of Linux ticket, which seems to be a bit pointless for a cert
which says you don't need to be a linux expert. There are also many hardware
issues which may not relate to Linux specifically that could impact the cert
process. Making the cert of value to the publisc, retailers & distributors over
a log period is not simple.

But even this certification only applied to 3 core distros, which would
presumeably be updated at some time, and all the goods which got a ticket may
become totally incompatible with new versions out in six months. So to some
extent, I don't think the problem is a certification one, more an OS driver
one.

That will only change with increased use of Linux & user demand, & a company
like DSE is in a position to excercise some clout on behalf of it's customers,
even if only in terms of which products they purchase.

If we have an opportunity to meet with the area mgr & discuss such issues (I'll
be discussing installfest stuff with him today) who is interested in being
involved? 


Note, I figure we'll get the 'fest out of the way before embarking on another
project like this one :-)


Brent