On Sat, Dec 19, 2020 at 1:13 AM Peter Georg peter.georg@physik.uni-regensburg.de wrote:
On 19/12/2020 07.44, Karsten Wade wrote: I agree with you that CentOS Stream might actually be a good way forward and consider (even looking forward to) switching from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream for the reasons you mentioned. However I disagree on one point: You mention CentOS Stream can cover "95% (or so)" of the current users. As long as 3rd party drivers are not working with CentOS Stream the number will be lower. This topic has already been mentioned several times on this mailing list by various users. So far feedback has been positive here on the list.
In my opinion, the only way to guarantee compatibility is by 100% kernel ABI compatibility. The only way I can think of implementing this is by offering an optional "RHEL kernel repository" containing the (updated) kernel of the current RHEL minor release. Feedback to this proposal has been positive so far as well, but no concrete feedback yet. I even suggested this to centos-questions@redhat.com. So far I only got a response that I shall wait till next year for no- and low-cost RHEL offerings. Let's wait and see if I get a useful answer to my proposal.
Sorry for mentioning this issue once again here on the mailing list, but I just hope that by mentioning it often enough, the possibility of this issue/proposal being acknowledged goes up.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for mentioning it again- I would encourage anybody else who is using kernel modules that aren't included in the stock kernel to mail centos-questions@redhat.com and let us know about it.
Just on list I've read that the ongoing ability to use CentOSPlus, ELRepo, and a few miscellaneous third party drivers is the difference between being able to adopt CentOS Stream or not. My impression is that if CentOS Stream can provide some mechanism by which people will be unable to 'dnf update' their way into an unusable system for want of a compatible kernel module, that somewhat resolves the issue. I picture a SIG being formed of community members to create this and oversee the multiple implementation details that would be necessary per use case (EG, don't stop ELRepo, provide something that works smoothly with it).
Coincidentally, for anybody who uses the word "stable" or "unstable", it's always helpful when you outline what you mean by that. I'm personally aware of 4 different meanings, and suspect at least 2 more are being used here! This is a good practice for both on-list discussions and reports to centos-questions@redhat.com.
Finally, I want to mention that a number of Red Hatters are now or about to be on an end of year holiday. Consequently, some people who would normally be joining in constructive conversations are away from their email. Please nobody take this as a lack of interest or concern, they'll be back bright and early next year.