Re: What exactly does "supports Linux" mean?

Henning P. Schmiedehausen
2003-05-14T14:00:16Z

jw schultz <jw@pegasys.ws> writes:

>This is really a trademark related labelling issue. The
>trademark allows Linus or his assignee to specify in what
>way Linux(tm) may be used in labelling and advertising.
>Linux is just like other products with third-party parts and
>supplies. If Linus's assignee (Linux international?) where
>to specify explicit guidelines then people would know what
>to expect. Something like:

>Linux certified:
> Mainline kernel has driver and it has been certified
> as functioning with this hardware by OSDL or some
> other officially sanctioned lab.

>Linux supported:
> Mainline kernel has driver.

>Linux compatible:
> Source code driver available as a patch.

>Runs on Linux:
> Binary only driver available that can be used with
> mainline kernel.

>Supports Linux:
> Portion of the purchase price will be donated to
> Linux International.

As there is no real body to enforce misuse of these labels, they're
moot.

And you forgot:

Linus certified:
Used by Linus Torvalds to develop new versions of Linux. :-)

Regards
Henning

--
Dipl.-Inf. (Univ.) Henning P. Schmiedehausen INTERMETA GmbH
hps@intermeta.de +49 9131 50 654 0 http://www.intermeta.de/

Java, perl, Solaris, Linux, xSP Consulting, Web Services
freelance consultant -- Jakarta Turbine Development -- hero for hire