-=No Knoppix kernel headers and source (GPL Violation?)=-

I have a question that I realize could start a flame war, but I proceed in caution regardless. This posting is MEANT as an observation and an opportunity for improvement on what is (for my purposes) the best linux distribution out there - KNOPPIX.

I won't go into all the features of this distro, just go to google or www.knoppix.net and you'll get all the information you need and some darn good community support as well.

I have one significant issue with the Knoppix distro, and that is their failure to include the kernel headers and source for their distribution. This makes it very difficult (for me) to do development work on this as some items (openh323 telephony modules for example) require the kernel headers and source in order to compile.

Not being faint of heart, I made an attempt to compile my own by obtaining the kernel source from kernel.org, obtaining the necessary kernel patches, and scouring suggestions from the Knoppix forum, but have had no success following any one 'recipe'. Additionally (and very important to me for change control purposes) it seems that doing it this way (homebrewing my own kernel source 2.4.20-xfs ) leaves the end product open to individual mistakes in a production environment. An official release of kernel headers and source seems like a necessary baseline.

Most significantly, it seems that the GPL requires a distributor to provide this sort of source code if they are to distribute Linux. The portion of the GPL I am referring to immediately follows this post.

Let me close by saying I DO NOT feel like this is an entitlement due me or anyone else in the Linux community. Klaus and team have done an exceptional job on this distro, which is getting better over time. They have and continue to be outstanding contributors to Linux adaptation and development. However, I DO feel that this is a significant technical drawback restricting development on this distribution, and for good reason is required by the GPL.

Your constructive comments regarding the reasonableness of making an official REQUEST (please note the choice of word) to the Knoppix organization are most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Paul

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I agree that the headers are necessary. I was unable to compile my Conexant driver because they weren't there. Iwas advised to download the kernel source. You seem to be one step further along.

I agree, too that Knoppix is a great achievement.