via module for x86_64 FC4

[Mike A. Harris]

Thorsten Leemhuis wrote:
> Am Montag, den 16.05.2005, 11:23 +0100 schrieb Andrew Gray:
> 
>>Will there be a x86_64 "via" module for Xorg in the final FC4 release or
>>am I missing something and it already exists. if so where?
> 
> [...]
> 
>>Any news would be helpful about video modules in x86_64 FC4
> 
> 
> Probably not:
> 
> https://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=138825
> https://bugs.freedesktop.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1973

Once a driver is considered "stable" by X.Org, it gets enabled
and/or committed to CVS head.  A driver not committed to CVS
head, can generally be taken as a sign that it is not considered
stable, or that no developers have had the time to do the work.

It isn't clear what the case is with the via driver on x86_64,
so erring on the side of caution, the safe assumption is that
it is unstable on x86_64.

If people are genuinely interested in seeing the "via" driver
enabled on x86_64 in FC4 - make some *friendly* noise on
xorg at freedesktop.org and encourage discussion about it.

Basically what needs to happen is:

- discussion on xorg at freedesktop.org to convince people that
   it is stable to enable on CVS head, or that work needs to be
   done to stabilize it, and that work gets done and it gets
   enabled on CVS head

- once in CVS head, someone needs to produce a patch for 6.8.x
   to bring the 6.8.x driver up to date with any fixes required
   to make it stable on x86_64, and then build and test it with
   6.8.x, and get as many end users with x86_64 systems out there
   with via video to test it and provide feedback.  (assuming
   any patches become necessary)

- Once enough feedback is received to conclude it is stable
   enough for the stable branch series, if any patches are
   needed and supplied, they can be nominated for 6.8.x.

- If approved, or there are comments in the bug from people
   indicating it is likely to be approved, we will consider
   adding it to Fedora Core.


If people act fast, there is enough time in theory for this
to all happen in time for FC4.  My gut instinct tells me that
people don't tend to be that motivated to get things of this
nature rolling fast enough however, but even if it doesn't
make it into FC4 stock, if something stable is available at
a future point, it could certainly hit an FC4 update release.

HTH