In Linux operating system, every component of hardware is a software file. Which is the driver of the component. Linux started with the i386 platform, and all the backward compatible drivers are still Xvesa, soundblaster Pro, lineprinter, and external serial port dialup modem. Its been that way for many years and serving us well.

Now that Linux had gone distributed enterprise system(kernel 2.6.x and i686), the hardware had gone to drive ambiguous devices with firmware and operating drivers; the sophistication of software had changed.

Kudzu and Alsa are not enough, because of the chipsets are not the entire circuit. Generic drivers often do not work. I experimented with 30 video cards, and mostly only S3 chipsets worked. Today ATI and Nvidia have many models and drivers are not generic; unless you try those bloated drivers in Windows.

This presents the sticky problem of GPL license and proprietary license. Obviously, Linux will move towards specific drivers for each model of chipset or cards. Just so that drivers are not going to be bloated. This means drivers will offer unique function in each software module and then assemble the interchangeable parts for a specific driver for each model of a chipset.

If only Linux community concentrate on driver development and approach free license with the manufacturer of hardware chipsets ? We will have better drivers than Windows.