Linux Kernel Whackos: Drop Everything But ARM

It's not even Friday yet, but there's more awkward entertainment today at the expense of Linux kernel trolls. The latest in the series of weird messages hitting the Linux kernel mailing list is a proposal to drop support for all CPU architectures but ARM and a new "invisible" file-system feature.

There's been a string of messages on the kernel mailing list lately from alleged trolls requesting various functionality be removed from the mainline kernel or other weird changes that don't make too much common sense: Linux doesn't need x86 32-bit support, Linux doesn't need keyboard support, and then last Friday was Linux doesn't need multi-monitor, multi-user, Ethernet, and optical drive support.

Well, for what it's worth, the latest proposal is that the Linux kernel abandon all CPU support except for ARM. In addition, Linux file-system access should be "invisible" to the user, similar to how the iPhone manages / "protects" its files.

Obviously neither of these proposals will gain traction and happen anytime in the foreseeable future, but if you need an awkward email to start the day (plus Anzwix says it will be popular in a weird way or at least sure to spark an interesting forum discussion), here is the latest Linux kernel trolling.

It is by fine, unbiased analysis I propose the following:

For one, drop all support for cpu archs except ARM. Dropping support will reduce development strain, and x86 has no foreseeable future anyways. This will allow Linux to accelerate its development pace on the one thing it currently has potential in; low-powered devices such as mobile/embedded, as Linux on the desk is a virtual wasteland.

In addition, no one cares about the true state or existence of their files, and the assumption they do is why Linux scares new guys and the iPhone became popular. The kernel should instead make the filesystem "invisible" to the user; by default making only user files visible from a file manager and making only files related to a particular app available in that app. More secure, more simple, easier for the simpleton.