Is Kernel module is the same as a device driver? Post: 302521779

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Operating Systems Linux Fedora Is Kernel module is the same as a device driver? Post 302521779 by newlinuxuser1 on Thursday 12th of May 2011 08:42:33 AM

05-12-2011

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BTW, is there a database or repository to check on existing drivers before buying a device? My understanding that in most cases Linux drivers aren't provided by manufacturers but mostly by a community. I found numerous discussion forums for Ubuntu and some HCLs.
And, is there an issue of using old drivers with newer versions of kernel, or they are compatible? It's my understanding that 64-bit and 32-bit require different drivers.
Are Linux drivers universal and fit into all Linux flavors or let say Fedora needs one driver and Debian another?

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LEARN ABOUT XFREE86

ipwfw

IPWFW(4)						   BSD Kernel Interfaces Manual 						  IPWFW(4)

NAME

     ipwfw -- Firmware Module for Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 driver

SYNOPSIS

     To compile this module into the kernel, place the following line in your kernel configuration file:

	   device ipwfw

     This will include three firmware images inside the kernel.  If you want to pick only the firmware image for the mode you want to operate your
     network adapter in choose one of the following:

	   device ipwbssfw
	   device ipwibssfw
	   device ipwmonitorfw

     Alternatively, to load the driver as a module at boot time, place the following lines in loader.conf(5):

	   ipw_bss_load="YES"
	   ipw_ibss_load="YES"
	   ipw_monitor_load="YES"

DESCRIPTION

     This module provides access to firmware sets for the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 series of IEEE 802.11 adapters.  It may be statically linked
     into the kernel, or loaded as a module.

     For the loaded firmware to be enabled for use the license at /usr/share/doc/legal/intel_ipw/LICENSE must be agreed to by adding the following
     line to loader.conf(5):

	   legal.intel_ipw.license_ack=1

FILES

     /usr/share/doc/legal/intel_ipw/LICENSE  ipwfw firmware license

SEE ALSO

     ipw(4), firmware(9)

BSD
								 January 14, 2010							       BSD