2TecTom's Journal: Flash embedded device drivers

With the current memeory prices, why don't hardware device manufactures include enough EPROM storage to be able to flash the current version of the device's driver? This would allow for faster installs and more comprehesive system recovery. As well, if there was sufficent space, you could store a diagnostics, original, reference, or signed driver there. In fact, using OTP memory would allow the system access to a copy of a secure, signed and uncorrupted driver.

Old idea of mine

[Oculus Habent]

The only real problems are:

1) What do you support? Windows 95/98/me/NT/2000/XP/2003? Linux binaries/rpm/deb/...?

2) Standards. Not a terrible problem, but it would need to be a standard process for convenience and function. How to access. How to update. How to mount...

3) Additional costs. Sure, 128 MB of flash isn't that expensive, but you also need the controller. You'd want it to be like a USB device in capability, but not mounted the same way. For some things it wouldn't be bad - a printer with 256 of

Re:Old idea of mine

[2TecTom]

Support? Well, whichever driver you choose to flash I suppose. Out of the box, while most likely WinXP but the manufacturer would most likely target the largest paying audience.

Standards? That's up to the IEEE, isn't it?

Cost? I'd be more than willing to pay, wouldn't you?

BTW, it's kinda nice to know somebody reads these things! ;~)

Re:Old idea of mine

[Oculus Habent]

I'd love to see it happen. It would be worth the extra cost. Think of all the hacks based around them, too...

Semi-portable storage for important or private files buried in the flash memory of your video or network card.

A RAID/JBOD array of small flash components. If spread out over PCI, USB, and other buses, if could even perform decently.

Hey, it could happen.
--
I'm fond of my Computer Future [slashdot.org].

In 1993, I used FutureBASIC to dump the memory of my Mac LC II to my hard drive, and thought, "Wouldn't it be awe