Luis Chamberlain sent out the modules changes today for the Linux 6.6 merge window. Most notable with the modules update is a change that better builds up the defenses against NVIDIA’s proprietary kernel driver from using GPL-only symbols. Or in other words, bits that only true open-source drivers should be utilizing and not proprietary kernel drivers like NVIDIA’s default Linux driver in respecting the original kernel code author’s intent.

Back in 2020 when the original defense was added, NVIDIA recommended avoiding the Linux 5.9 for the time being. They ended up having a supported driver several weeks later. It will be interesting to see this time how long Linux 6.6+ thwarts their kernel driver.

  • Blackmist@feddit.ukEnglish
    111·
    11 months ago

    I assume nVidia have licensed other code that they don’t have the rights to distribute the source code for.

    I get what the GPL fans want here, but it’s just going to lead to a gimped driver, no driver, or an even larger shim between the open and closed source bits. The Linux market is too small for nVidia to care.

    • ArbitraryValue@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      11·
      11 months ago

      The Linux market is too small for nVidia to care.

      The Linux gaming market is too small for Nvidia to care, but the GPU computing market isn’t.

      • Blackmist@feddit.ukEnglish
        4·
        11 months ago

        So we can add “use an older kernel” and “use a modified kernel with that protection removed” to the list of options.

        • ArbitraryValue@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          3·
          11 months ago

          Using an older kernel isn’t a long-term solution. And according to the kernel devs, either using and older kernel in that way or modifying the kernel to remove these protections still violates the license even if it bypasses the technical protections.

          (I’m guessing Nvidia will keep shimming and rely on either not being sued or winning the lawsuit.)

    • BURN@lemmy.world
      10·
      11 months ago

      That’s all I see happening too. The Nvidia Linux drivers will just get worse and not solve anything.

      It’s already a huge pain in the ass to use the proprietary drivers, the open source ones barely work as is.

    • priapus@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      11 months ago

      The Linux market is massive for Nvidia. Nobody is using Windows for ML and everybody is using Nvidia for ML.

    • Rikudou_Sage@lemmings.world
      1·
      11 months ago

      With GPUs being used for AI stuff and all sane people using Linux for servers, no, Linux market isn’t small at all for Nvidia.

    • You999@sh.itjust.works
      1·
      11 months ago

      The Linux community is literally Nvidia’s biggest market. The current Linux market share in data centers is currently estimated to be 77%.