KernelKarmicReviewOfNonUpstreamedCode

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 * '''Launchpad Entry''': UbuntuSpec:kernel-karmic-removal-of-non-upstreamed-code  * '''Launchpad Entry''': UbuntuSpec:kernel-karmic-review-of-non-upstreamed-code

Summary

Code that was not upstream but useful to Ubuntu users has been carried in the ubuntu modules. However, now that staging exists, we should make every effort to remove code from there.

Release Note

(Only if there really will be drivers removed) Some drivers have been removed as they where no longer maintained upstream.

Rationale

All drivers in the ubuntu directory are not automatically synced with the kernel. This causes breakage and requires the ubuntu kernel team to either sync manually with a more recent version or modify that code to work again. Code there will also be much less reviewed and worked on compared to the rest of the kernel. Since the linux kernel now carries a staging tree which carries non-mature code in order to get it better tested and/or worked on, we should try to get all of our drivers in ubuntu moved over to staging.

User stories

  • Albert uses iscsitarget on Hardy. After upgrading to Intrepid it was broken as it was synced to some version that missed important fixes.
  • Bob used the prism2_usb module in Intrepid. It was usually not touched much often. Now the module is in the staging tree and get automatically maintained from upsream.

Implementation

We would have to assess and decide what to do with the following drivers currently in the karmic ubuntu directory:

  • aufs (rtg, dropped, COMPLETE)
    • This is intended to be replaced by union-mount for the karmic cycle.
    • If that is successfull, then drop it.
  • compcache (used by dubuntu, xubuntu livecds(?) for lowmem installs) (manjo, IN-PROGRESS)
    • Try to get this upstreamed directly (not to staging)
  • dm-loop (rtg, dropped, COMPLETE)
    • Was used by WUBI but is not any more.
    • As there seem to be no users, drop it.
  • dm-raid4-5 (manjo, IN-PROGRESS)
    • This works and is used. Keep it as long as it is not upstream
    • Maintained by redhat (as the device-mapper mainter is). Chances to change this are not high.
  • drbd (apw, now compiles, untested)
    • used by the community for server stuff
    • Looks like going upstream. Watch and drop if there.
  • gfs (rtg, dropped, COMPLETE)
    • Has no apparent users and is also replaced by gfs2.
    • Disable it for Karmic to see whether someone misses it.
  • iscsitarget (manjo, IN-PROGRESS)
    • sourceforge projects, not very active
    • not in main (userspace wise)
    • staging would be a good option here perhaps?
    • expect some feedback from server team on this
    • RESEARCH
  • lenovo-sl-laptop (ikepanhc, evaluation in progress, currently built as module)
    • ACPI driver for certain Lenovo laptops which are not supported by the thinkpad-acpi driver
    • Supports hotkeys, fan, temprature
    • Evaluate whether a merge with thinkpad-acpi is possible.
    • Keep module while there is no alternative.
  • ndiswrapper (apw, updated to v1.55, COMPLETE)
    • still in use
    • needs update/refresh
  • appleir (Apple USB infrared receiver)
    • research useage
    • refresh or drop depending
  • Hardware specific rfkill drivers (smb)
    • av5100 (Averatec 5100P), pbe5 (Packard Bell EasyNote E5) and fsam7400 (Fujitsu Siemens Amilo M 7400)

    • all rfkill patches should get upstream
    • Either to staging quickly or need to get reworked for the new rfkill framework.
    • Notes:

  • lmpcm_usb (Logitech MediaPlay cordless mouse driver)

    • needs refresh
  • snd-bt-sco (Bluetooth SCI sound driver) (manjo, dropped, COMPLETE)
    • not used/required -- This Bluetooth SCI sound driver is currently disabled and therefore not in use. The maintainer indicates that this functionality is now provided by alternative means and therefore the code is obsolete.
    • drop
  • thinkpad_ec (access driver for the Thinkpad EC)
  • tp_smapi (enhanced battery control for Thinkpads)
  • ov511 (usb camera)
    • RESEARCH: is this covered by the video framwork already??
  • acx (wireless driver)
    • not used anymore
    • DISABLE/DROP
  • LIRC (superm1, updated)
    • lirc_i2c still not compiling

Test/Demo Plan

If drivers are only moved from ubuntu to staging, we only need to verify they are still build and included in the package. Replaced drivers need a specific plan, depending on the driver.

Unresolved issues

  • If a driver is maintained somewhere else and the maintainer(s) do not want to see the driver included upstream, would DMKS be a plan B?

BoF agenda and discussion

Use this section to take notes during the BoF; if you keep it in the approved spec, use it for summarising what was discussed and note any options that were rejected.


CategorySpec

specs/KernelKarmicReviewOfNonUpstreamedCode (last edited 2009-09-30 12:26:11 by p5B2E4121)