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.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 Drops bcachefs
After a clash over some late fixes and disagreements between bcachefs's lead developer and Linus Torvalds, bachefs is out.
-
ONLYOFFICE v9 Embraces AI
Like nearly all office suites on the market (except LibreOffice), ONLYOFFICE has decided to go the AI route.
-
Two Local Privilege Escalation Flaws Discovered in Linux
Qualys researchers have discovered two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain root privileges on major Linux distributions.
-
New TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300
The TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 offers serious power that is ready for your business, development, or entertainment needs.
-
Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs Transitions to Linux
Another major organization has decided to kick Microsoft Windows and Office to the curb in favor of Linux.
-
Linux Mint 20 Reaches EOL
With Linux Mint 20 at its end of life, the time has arrived to upgrade to Linux Mint 22.
-
TuxCare Announces Support for AlmaLinux 9.2
Thanks to TuxCare, AlmaLinux 9.2 (and soon version 9.6) now enjoys years of ongoing patching and compliance.
-
Go-Based Botnet Attacking IoT Devices
Using an SSH credential brute-force attack, the Go-based PumaBot is exploiting IoT devices everywhere.
-
Plasma 6.5 Promises Better Memory Optimization
With the stable Plasma 6.4 on the horizon, KDE has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Plasma 6.5.
-
KaOS 2025.05 Officially Qt5 Free
If you're a fan of independent Linux distributions, the team behind KaOS is proud to announce the latest iteration that includes kernel 6.14 and KDE's Plasma 6.3.5.