Saturday November 21, 2009 6:23 PM AEST
Networking

Microsoft give away Linux kernel drivers for free

  • Email a Friend
  • Print Page
Microsoft give away Linux kernel drivers for free
Related Articles
By Justin Robinson
Jul 22, 2009 | 3 Comments
Tags: Microsoft | Linux | kernel | drivers | driver

Linux might be seen as serious competition by Microsoft after all.

Linux was long feared as different by the majority of users and while it's bringing itself into the limelight more and more with USB 3.0 inclusion, plenty of distros to choose from and even limited DX10 compatibility, it is still a little limited.

However some of those limitations for wide acceptance are lifting as you read, as Microsoft announce their release of Hyper-V Linux Integration Components (LinuxIC) - covered under the GNU General Public License.

Hyper-V is the latest generation virtualisation technology, and being covered under that license means that it's free for anyone to use - giving free kernel drivers and allowing greater performance.

This also makes Microsoft's virtualisation software a decent alternative to VMWare's competing product, giving a lot more flexibility for sysadmins and giving potentially lower costs.

Head over to CNET to read more about LinuxIC, via Bit-Tech.

 

 
 
The latest issue is on sale now!

Want to learn all about Diablo III? Want to find out what the best Solid State Drive is on the market today, and how to look after it? Want to catch up on the latest hardware, games and in depth tech from Australia's best enthusiast mag?

Get your copy today :)
3 Comments
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Leonid
Jul 22, 2009 11:22 AM
 This is nothing new - Microsoft has been doing this kind of thing since Virtual PC 2007 had Linux Virtual Machine Additions.

Problem is that the additions are limited to certain enterprise distros - you can probably forget *debian or ubuntu support.

And nothing in the BSD or Solaris area which VMware ESX can and does do.
stash
Jul 22, 2009 7:07 PM
 Microsoft have already given up dx10 for use on linux?
TheSecret
Jul 23, 2009 5:18 AM
 Eh? This is the first time Microsoft have released code under the GPL for inclusion in the kernel. It is a major thing, and if included is in no way limited by any distro.

It's not really anything major though, and is just so Microsofts hypervisor will support Linux guests a bit better...which is necessary if they want to progress in that market.
Login or register to submit a comment.
 
Area 53
 
Editor's Choice
 
Atomic Magazine

Issue: 107 | December, 2009

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.
 
Latest Comments
"The visit was useful. Content was really very informative. From www.globalsaridelivery.com"
on Queensland takes on Atkinson!
by tanmoyrf | Nov 21, 2009 5:48 PM
 
""sudo preupgrade"
...failed to download installer metadata
------------
So ..."
on Fedora 12 is released
by wlayton27 | Nov 21, 2009 8:16 AM
 
"I thought Vista outlived it's usefulness about the same time it was released , lol"
on Windows 7: Fastest selling OS ever
by mr.gargoyle | Nov 21, 2009 12:28 AM
 
"^ I find with CoD4 that I can jump on an empty server and be joined by 6-12 others before the ..."
on Modern Warfare 2 breaks records, and hearts
by Ezekill | Nov 20, 2009 10:10 PM
 
"check

LOMAC
DCS Black Shark
X-plane"
on Heroes over Europe
by Bastard Child | Nov 20, 2009 8:13 PM

Plan Finder

Powered by WhistleOut

1) Samsung S8000 Jet8 plans 50%
2) Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB35 plans 25%
3) Blackberry Curve 85206 plans 17%
4) Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB35 plans 42%
5) Nokia E7147 plans 1%
Three iiNet Virgin Mobile Vodafone
« 1 of »
1) iiNet32 plans 7%
2) Netspace33 plans 42%
3) Optus47 plans 17%
4) Telstra BigPond41 plans 9%
5) Internode34 plans 9%

Compare: Mobiles | Broadband

Atomic MPC
Latest User Reviews
Shenmue II
10%
Shenmue II
asdfasdf
By jeffreybushii | Nov 13, 2009
 
EVGA X58 Classified
90%
EVGA X58 Classified
great board, a few things could be better
By -adicolor93- | Nov 2, 2009
 
EVGA X58 Classified
90%
EVGA X58 Classified
Gorgeous looking
By kramgref | Oct 29, 2009
 
Sapphire 4890
90%
Sapphire 4890
So good, I immediately wanted a second one!
By prof_skum | Sep 20, 2009
 
MSI 790FX-GD70 motherboard
90%
MSI 790FX-GD70 motherboard
Allmost the prefect gaming board
By George copley | Aug 28, 2009
 
more user reviews »