[SDL] The Basic Linux Basic

[Christophe Cavalaria]

Sami Näätänen wrote:

> On Wednesday 18 October 2006 23:12, Miguel wrote:
>> Hi.
>>
>> I´m building a dedicated linux distro to my 2DGame.
>> We´re programing this game totally in SDL, without OpenGL.
>> I´ve used Ansi C ( Not C++ )
>>
>> And the words "DRI", "FrameBuffer", "XOrg" and "Vesa" are concepts
>> that cause me some confusion. Mainly when treated togheter or
>> superficially.
>>
>> So, my question is:
>>
>> My SDL dedicated machine/linux need to have... What?
>> - kernel-compiled FrameBuffer ?
>> - XOrg ?
>> - DRI ?
> 
> You get best audience with everything, but there are some legal and
> practical issues. For Xorg you most likely can't use closed source
> NVidia or ATI drivers. Frame buffer with VESA works for all but the
> most stone-aged HW, but it is quite slow in every HW.
> 
> So what ever you use you will need a good HW detection SW to make the CD
> really useful.

Live CDs already do that. Take the Mandriva Live CD as a base for example.
Since all their tools are GPL, it should be easy to do.

Also, you CAN use closed source NVidia drivers. The Mandriva Live CD come
with them for example :) NVidia changed their driver licence some times ago
to allow that.