DKMS: Dell Improves Driver Installation

Sep 24, 2007

Version 2.0.17.4 DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support), a framework that facilitates the installation of Linux drivers, has just been released. Besides bugfixes the new release includes a method for creating Debian driver packages.

Dell developed DKMS in order to deliver updated hardware drivers to its Linux customers without replacing the entire kernel. The framework provides a standardized update process that facilitates support.

DKMS keeps its own source code tree on a system outside of the kernel sources. It includes commands for building, installing and removing modules. In addition to this, it can create RPM and even Debian packages as of the latest version.

The current version solves release problems using the "--rpm_safe_upgrade" option. Driver floppy generation for Suse Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 10 has been reworked, but is still problematic according to Dell's Linux strategist Matt Domsch. In his company blog Domsch describes the advantages of DKMS based on a current example: the framework supports simple integration of drivers for Dell's hardware. Dell had to remaster the distribution CDs for Ubuntu 7.04; now Dell uses DKMS for SLES, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu.

More details are available on the DKMS project page. Tarballs, RPMs and Debian packages are available for downloading. DKMS, which is licensed under the GPLv2, is also available from the Ubuntu Gutsy (universe) and Fedora 7 (testing) repositories.

Related content

  • Interview – {code} Project’s Josh Bernstein

    Dell’s expansive {code} project is a cornerstone of the company’s open source strategy. Dell Technologies VP Josh Bernstein talks about {code} and the value of open source.

    more »
  • State of Linux Drivers

    Linux developers are working on a whole new generation of tools for managing and updating device drivers. We'll help you get a handle on device drivers.

    more »
  • Mountain Goat Reaches the Summit: Ubuntu 8.10 Arrives

    Intrepid Ibex, the codename for Ubuntu 8.10, has today finally reached the pinnacle, without hesitation. Although the new version of the popular Linux distribution hasn't won any new altitude records, it still brings along a number of interesting features to make life easier for users and
    administrators. High among these features are some rejuvenated programs.

    more »
  • Caching with an SSD

    Flash memory is fast but also expensive. Caching with Flash provides a way out: A smaller and cheaper SSD can speed up the disk.

    more »
  • Dell Linux Developers Implement TPM

    Most Linux users think of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as digital rights management (DRM), i.e. software freedom prevention. However, TPM used in some Intel computer modules may have some useful functions.

    more »
comments powered by Disqus

Issue 39: Getting Started with Linux – /Special Editions

Buy this issue as a PDF

Digital Issue: Price $15.99
(incl. VAT)

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Desktop Events Hardware Linux Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source