[CLUE-Tech] OT: Windows IDE drivers.

[David Anselmi]

Jed S. Baer wrote:
[...]
> 
> Errrrmmm, then I've gotten the wrong idea for all of the various chipset
> options available for a kernel compile. So, those don't extend to the IDE
> controller?

The real question is, is the right option required to boot?  I'd say no 
based on the fact that KNOPPIX can boot from most hardware.

It appears that my stock Debian kernel comes with most (all?) of those 
compiled in (as part of the ide modules I guess), and that they aren't 
required to boot, just to take advantage of extra hardware features (for 
example, I get to see extra VIA and PROMISE stuff in /proc/ide).

I realize that "real" linux users compile their own kernels, but I think 
the overhead of unused code in the kernel is overestimated.  Obviously 
compiling every last driver into the kernel will have an impact, but 
modules seem to have freed us from that need.

The Right Way is for all the kernel options to be available in stock 
kernels at boot- (or better, run-) time.  It wouldn't surprise me that 
we aren't there yet but I'm pretty pleased with how close we are.

Dave