Linux Kernel: Improved Webcam Support Thanks to GSPCA
The kernel developers plan to integrate the GSPCA driver with kernel 2.6.27 to add support for a large number of webcams.
Following the introduction of the driver – this is on the roadmap for kernel 2.6.27 at the latest - the kernel should support most popular webcams without forcing users to compile addition kernel modules.
The integration of the UVC driver with the recently released in 2.6.26 kernel version significantly increased the number of webcams supported by the kernel. The GSPCA drivers now extend support to USB webcams, which include many internal webcams in notebooks.
The GSPCA drivers were developed by Michel Xhaard, a French doctor, who has programmed drivers for hundreds of USB webcams in a solo effort launched back in 2003. Xhaard gave a very readable interview to the British online magazine Inquirer in April last year, revealing facts about his hobby.
The inclusion of the drivers in the kernel offers users a number of advantages by removing the need for users to download drivers from the author's website and to build the executables. This procedure can be annoying when distribution updates install a new kernel forcing the user to manually build the matching webcam module to reinstate support. Although there are approaches to automating this process (such as KMP in Opensuse), kernel integration is a far more elegant.
Issue 171/2015
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Cisco Releases Annual Security Report
Spammers go low-volume, and 90% of IE browsers are unpatched.
-
Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
-
Intel Unveils Compute Stick
Four-inch-long computer on a stick lets you boot a full Linux system from any HDMI display device.
-
Obama Proposes Personal Data Notification Law
New statute would require companies to report break-ins to consumers.
-
TGXf Project Warns of File Transfer through Screen Pixels
Weird data transfer technique avoids all standard security measures.
-
Industry Giants Announce a Fix for the Password Mess
FIDO alliance declares the beginning of the end for old-style login authentication.
-
Poll: Vote for the Best Open Source Software for Photographers
The Linux New Media Awards have honored the most significant products, projects, people, and organizations for open source/Linux every year since 2000.
-
Debian Gets Forked
Legendary Uber-distro splits over the systemd controversy.
-
Linux Mint Project Releases Mint 17.1
New LTS version offers many refinements for the Cinnamon and Mate desktops and significant improvement under the hood.
-
CeBIT Open Source Forum Call for Papers
One of CeBIT’s most successful forums returns in 2015.