Re: What exactly does "supports Linux" mean?

Henning P. Schmiedehausen (hps@intermeta.de)
Wed, 14 May 2003 14:11:10 +0000 (UTC)


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/

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