Nvidia throws weight behind Linux

The Linux Foundation reveals that graphic card giant Nvidia has joined the organisation, as have Fluendo, Lineo Solutions and Mocana, ZDNet reports.

While Nvidia has long shipped Linux graphic drivers and has kept its Linux drivers up to date, the drivers for their graphic processors have always used proprietary. This meant free software users couldn't use the drivers and open source developers couldn't work on them to improve them.

Now, by joining the Linux Foundation, Nvidia can take a more active role in bringing new capabilities to Linux users, ComputerWorldUK states.

"Membership in the Linux Foundation will accelerate our collaboration with the organisations and individuals instrumental in shaping the future of Linux, enabling a great experience for users and developers of Linux," says Scott Pritchett, Nvidia's VP of Linux platform software.

Both AMD and Intel have been members of the Linux Foundation for some time, and Intel, in particular, commits a significant amount of code for the Linux kernel, The Inquirer says.

While Nvidia's decision to join is not necessarily an indication that it will open source its graphics drivers, many end-users will settle for improved support.