It is really painful to search and then install all those drivers in Windows but fortunately almost all hardware makers provide drivers alongside the product and the users don't think of it as a problem. Also, users tend to treat their driver CDs as prized possessions and be fascinated by the enigma that they make out of this all.
On the other hand, the problem of some proprietary hardwares can really be very sad for people wanting to use GNU/Linux. Many of such drivers are now available thanks partly to the Linux Drivers project ( http://www.linuxdriverproject.org/twiki/bin/view). The list of drivers not supported is also maintained here: ( http://linuxdriverproject.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/DriversNeeded) While promoting free softwares, we should also make it a point so promote hardwares that support free software. The subject of "network neutrality" got so advertised that it was debated in the recent US presidential elections. The issue of "platform neutrality" needs equal backing because discrimination of users on the basis of the hardware and OS they use is equally bad. Though there seems no obvious solutions of the problems mentioned in the thread, may be we can start by stressing on the need to buy hardwares that are platform neutral :) Just my $0.02 Bibek --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ FOSS Nepal mailing list: foss-nepal@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/foss-nepal To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Community website: http://www.fossnepal.org/ -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---