From mboxrd@z Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 1970 Return-Path: Received: (majordomo@vger.kernel.org) by vger.kernel.org via listexpand id S265179AbUEZFJo (ORCPT ); Wed, 26 May 2004 01:09:44 -0400 Received: (majordomo@vger.kernel.org) by vger.kernel.org id S265245AbUEZFJo (ORCPT ); Wed, 26 May 2004 01:09:44 -0400 Received: from gizmo04bw.bigpond.com ([144.140.70.14]:36252 "HELO gizmo04bw.bigpond.com") by vger.kernel.org with SMTP id S265179AbUEZFJm (ORCPT ); Wed, 26 May 2004 01:09:42 -0400 Subject: [Fwd: Re: drivers DB and id/ info registration] From: Zenaan Harkness To: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org Cc: "debian-devel@lists.debian.org" Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Message-Id: <1085548092.2909.60.camel@zen8100a.freedbms.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Ximian Evolution 1.4.6 Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 15:08:13 +1000 Sender: linux-kernel-owner@vger.kernel.org X-Mailing-List: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org I think we need to somehow make it easy for manufacturers to submit information about their hardware - something centralized, kernel- and distro- neutral, that can be widely advertised to manufacturers. Here is what I've found so far for id DBs, and it seems a bit all over the place: PCI ============================== http://pciids.sourceforge.net/ Which has a submit new entry form, which asks for ID, Name, Comment and Email only, here: http://pciids.sourceforge.net/iii/?sub=1 Printers ============================== http://www.linuxprinting.org/kpfeifle/LinuxKongress2002/Tutorial/VIII.Foomatic-Contribution/VIII.tutorial-handout-foomatic-contribution.html Which has a forum for submission, and a list of information to describe the printer, seems aimed at users: * Manufacturer's name * Model name * Mechanism type (as laser, inkjet, dot matrix, ...) * Color or black-and-white? * Maximum resolution claimed by the manufacturer and obtained by you with free software * Connection types (Parallel, USB, Ethernet, ...) * Maximum paper size * Special functionality (multi-function device, finishers, ...) * Type of consumables/refills (as "one black and one color cartridge", "toner/drum unit", ... not only "cartridge(s)") * How did you get it to work? Which driver(s) did you use and with which option settings? Which driver do you recommend? Did you apply special tricks (as hacking the driver's code, using an additional filter, ...) to get the printer to work? * Also reporting that a printer does not work at all is important for us, users should be warned before they buy a "Paperweight". * What is your impression of the results? Categorize your printer in one of the levels described on the database introduction page (http://www.linuxprinting.org/database.html). Also has suggestions to manufacturers further below. USB ============================== http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids http://www.linux-usb.org/ Various links, mailing lists, a working devices list, etc. Also a link to Linux USB Guide: http://www.linux-usb.org/USB-guide/book1.html No clear submission for manufacturers. Firewire ============================== Can't readily find anything with google. ========= So, does it make sense to create a centralized repository, and/ or an FAQ for manufacturers. I really think it needs to be easy for manufacturers to supply information. I have no doubt that there must be a standardized process at MS whereby manufacturers can submit device, id, name and other driver information directly to microsoft and have it included in the next service pack. I'm guessing here though, but it does seem like we in the free software community are playing catch up, and that that is in some way simply an organizational problem. All thoughts, suggestions, further links to add to the above list, etc, very much appreciated.