The Dell Latitude reality check

[Patrick Goetz]

On 2/16/2011 4:07 PM, Paul Smith wrote:
>
> The problem is with the licensing of the _proprietary driver_.  These
> drivers typically allow no-charge download directly from the vendor
> website, but the license includes terms that make REDISTRIBUTION illegal
> (without permission).


If that's the case, then the solution is option A: provide the user with 
upfront information on the issue with this driver and how to obtain the 
driver and then provide some mechanism (think Windows XP here) to vector 
the driver into the install using a USB stick or some such device.

Not only will this provide a much better user experience, but it creates 
consumer awareness of these driver issues.  And who knows how many of 
these first time installers will get irritated enough to contact the 
hardware vendor and complain?  in essence, a free opportunity to apply 
pressure to vendors to provide open source or at least freely 
distributable linux drivers.


-- 
Patrick Goetz