Ubuntu
xserver-xorg-video-mach64 package

  1. Bug #34590
  2. Comment #5

Comment 5 for bug 34590

Revision history for this message
audiophyl (audiophyl) wrote : Re: DRI not Automatically Enabled for ATI Rage Mobility P/M - Mach64

The instructions given in the OP won't (and shouldn't) work in Feisty Fawn due to changes in the structure of X.org.

As I understand, there are security concerns regarding the mach64.ko DRM module needed for enabling DRI. Of course, there are security concerns with binary blobs, but it's much easier to install some of those!

Enabling DRI with Mach64-based graphics seems to be an important enough topic to have garnered 101 posts and more than 53,000 views at http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=7200. Maybe it could be considered more than a "wishlist" item... especially since working code exists and has existed for quite some time.

Might I propose this solution: Build mach64.ko along with the rest of the DRM modules (/lib/modules/$KERNEL/kernel/drivers/char/drm/), but blacklist it in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist along with an explanation regarding the security concerns. That would make Ubuntu secure by default, but allow the functionality to be easily enabled for those who aren't as concerned with the security implications.

As a side note, the security concerns don't appear to be well documented. By this, I mean that I can't seem to find anything other than "there are security concerns" as an explanation. That sure doesn't help to get the point across! :)

-Philip Barton