Running Your Linux Drivers
There are rumors spreading that Linux cannot support modern hardware. But this is definitely untrue! The fact is its competitors like Windows operating systems are the ones which cannot support modern equipment. Greg Kroah-Hartman (engineer and Linux kernel developer) began the project LDP or Linux Project to ensure that Linux will support any hardware. LDP was designed for open-source developers; to help them create hardware s and give it to companies for free. Companies can be assured that programmers will keep their proprietary secrets hidden.
LDP had been a very successful project. Last year’s record shows that over 300 developers wanted to join the project with many s already accepted and written into the most popular Linux kernel tree; and many more are still being developed.
Summing up the projects accomplishments; Hartman released the reports of what it has been from last year, beginning with its first goal which is to write s. Many LDP members have already written new s for a large range of various hardware devices. These devices are already merged into the kernel tree. Many more are under development at present averaging two queries for different s from different firms each month.
The second aim which is to educate people has also been a success! LDP helped many companies maintain their code bases within the Linux kernel. This is integrated into the main kernel development process which allows control of their s.
LDP’s third and final goal of working in the open has also been realized. The Linux Kernel Summit also last year, marked the creation of staging s/tree. This provides a place within the central Linux kernel tree where s of not that high quality kernel standards to be merged. This process thus allows many users to utilize their hardware with Linux much earlier than possible. It has also provided a common place for members to contribute patches and fixes for the s. This heightens the necessity to search for various s over the internet.
Linux staging tree has also given a venue for developers who wish to get into Linux kernel development to easily work on the code. Although all the goals have already been achieved, Linux keeps on moving since for the developers, existing device s are always moving targets.
Visibly, the only problem lies with the lack of projects. This proves that there is much hardware that Linux s can support. Most of the newly developed hardware comes with a Linux which is already written by a community or the company.
The Never Ending Story of Xen and Linux
What is it about Xen and Linux? First, let’s define the terms. Xen is actually a virtualization technology for the Linux kernel that allows you to try out new upgrades. Running Xen happens in a virtual environment where the actual system is simulated without having to bother the original system.
Xen is installed into Linux using a driver called the Fedora Core. The moment the driver is installed, Xen operates the same way on all sorts of distribution. Virtualization in Linux is possible with a “sandbox” that can test new software and operate several virtual machines on the very same Linux box. Xen, a paravirtualizing VMM (Virtual Machine Monitor) is one of those “sandboxes” that was developed at the University of Cambridge.
With Xen, the operating system (OS) is modified in some areas in order to make calls right into the hypervisor and the application running remain unmodified. Since Xen needs the OS to be modified, there is a need to port the hypervisor to the Xen architecture because an existing Linux kernel cannot just operate it in the Xen hypervisor.
Users have been trying to view the Xen-Linux partnership in virtualization. One user thinks that the idea of integrating Xen into the kernel to ease up the development is not such a good idea. A better idea would be is to make paravirtualization from Xen available only to Linux. Xen makes it possible to use older hardware for virtualization to take place. But if PVM is removed from Xen, this capability is likewise removed.
The virtualization process should be done in the hardware. It is not true that virtualization is more superior than paravirtualization. The hack, HVM, was brought into the picture to run operating systems that are not modified in a VM without having to do run-time binary translation such as VMware. It is more efficient to leave the skewed scales that does compute-intensive load in a VM during times when modified drivers are used for the operating system of the paravirtualized hardware. Virtualization of hardware is done more efficiently with unmodified operating systems but it doesn’t really mean that it is the most efficient method.
Another user thinks that Linux supports the device driver better than FreeBSD or Solaris. He says that the driver is not the issue in server space. All servers have the same components like those Intel networking chips or the Nvidia chipsets. Hard disk controllers are either provided by Adaptec or LSI. In virtualization, it is not necessarily more advantageous to have more drivers for more advanced or for older hardware.
What really matters in paravirtualization is fault management and anticipation architecture. One way of doing sparse provision on virtual disks is to lower the consumption of the disk. These things cannot be found in Linux and they are vital in doing virtualization even with one or two VMs.
Major promoters and the media regularly talk about Linux developers being the best and most innovative. The truth ism Linux just moves around the inventions of Xen in the past years. The integration being talked about in the beginning of this write-up has not moved anything forward. By that time, NetBSD and OpenSolaris have integrated into their operating systems. Therefore, the problem is not in the code that cannot be integrated or other technical difficulties because coding guidelines and processes are very rigorous in OpenSolaris. It is possible that it’s just the NIH having its own virtualization layer with KVM.
The ending of the story relies on the fact that even with Linux destroys the Xen implementation, there are operating systems available that can take its place. And one of it is OpenSolaris.
5-Wire Resistive Touch Panels Added by Fujitsu
Fujitsu will add the 5-inch, 5-wire resistive touch panels and protector sheets for POS terminals and kiosks. This RoHS-compliant product is a new addition to their already available 4 wire and 7 wire resistive touch sensor panels. Announced just last May 27, 2009, this panel has a design construction that can enhance linearity that lets OEMs maximize the active 15-inch input area especially in wide-aspect and large-sized ratio displays.
Fujitsu specifically targets OEMS making information kiosks used in public places, Point of Sale or POS terminal systems and hotels for human interface component.
A patent pending or proprietary detection method is being utilized by the Film Glass touch panels to enable narrow frame borders in larger touch panels, (for example: 9mm for 15-inch size) having an edge area linearity performance of +/- 2%. This provides more active display area that can be used for touch input functionality. Hotels, kiosks for retail, hospitality markets, restaurants and POS systems are included in the target applications. Other panel specifications include 80 to 85% transmissivity, an operating environment of -20C to +60C degrees temperature, a 30% to 90% relative humidity, and a minimum operating life of 30 million touches. Cables, driver software and a USB controller are also included.
Aside from these panels, Fujitsu also announced its new self-wetting adhesive protector sheets which reduce surface damage to flat panel displays and touch screens in use or during shipping. These protector sheets are RoHS-compliant and feature 3H surface hardness that is chemical and scratch resistant. They are capable of harsh, rugged and high –use, such as in self-service kiosks, warehouse equipment, POS terminals, mobile field sales, service devices and manufacturing. Protection for testing and product shipping is also being offered.
These patented, self-wetting adhesives applies itself virtually by instinctively wetting out on smooth surfaces with a very low finger or no pressure at all to adhere to a touch screen or display. Even after extended time, users can easily detach the sheet by hand, without creating static electricity or leaving any residues. New sheet application can then be accomplished without generating static electricity too; this avoids attraction of undesirable dust particles.
Fujitsu Components Asia Limited distributes electronic components throughout Asia and Australia. The added 5-wire series complements Fujitsu’s present 4-wire and 7-wire resistive touch panel offering. This 15 inch touch panel and protective sheets will be priced competitively and with superb quality.