[GNU-linux-libre] Re: PCMCIA .cis files

[Alexandre Oliva]

On Dec 31, 2010, Richard Stallman <address@hidden> wrote:

>     I'm not sure the .cis files are software.  They are binary descriptions
>     of the card name, function, compatibility and hardware configuration.

> I am not sure the question matters.  Does it?  The only significant
> difference between the binary form and the textual form is the
> comment, but if that comment is useful, then the textual form is
> better.

I wouldn't say the comment is useful, but I think the textual form is
better anyway.

> So if you want to add these files, where's the problem?  Add the source.

I don't want to clutter the deblob scripts adding lots of stuff.

> But the first question is, is there a reason to add them?
> Why do you want to add them?

I don't.  I'd just like to keep the binary .cis files if there wasn't
any reason to remove them.

>     Linux-libre has long removed all .cis files that are requested by the
>     various PCMCIA drivers.

> What do these files DO?  What job are they used for?

The PCMCIA driver gets from this file data on PCMCIA standards
compatibility, voltage, I/O ports and IRQs it's supposed to use to talk
to the device, in addition to name and type of card.

-- 
Alexandre Oliva, freedom fighter    http://FSFLA.org/~lxoliva/
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. -- Gandhi
Be Free! -- http://FSFLA.org/   FSF Latin America board member
Free Software Evangelist      Red Hat Brazil Compiler Engineer