Linux 7.0 Bids Farewell to the Mwave Modem Driver: A Nostalgic Farewell to 1990s Tech

In a move that signals both progress and a bittersweet goodbye to computing history, the Linux 7.0 kernel has officially removed the Mwave driver, a relic from the Pentium II era that powered the 3780i ACP Modem in select IBM ThinkPads from the late 1990s. This marks the end of an era for a piece of hardware that once defined portable internet connectivity but now stands as a monument to how far technology has come.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Mwave Modem

The Mwave driver was designed for the 3780i ACP Modem, a feature found in iconic IBM ThinkPad models such as the 600E, 600, and 770. These laptops, powered by Intel Pentium II processors, were the epitome of mobile computing in their time. The Mwave modem allowed users to connect to the internet at speeds of up to 56Kbps, a revolutionary feat in the days of dial-up.

IBM, the pioneer behind this technology, developed both the kernel driver and the user-space software for the Mwave modem in the 1990s. For many, these ThinkPads were more than just laptops—they were gateways to the digital world, enabling productivity and communication on the go.

Why Remove the Mwave Driver Now?

The decision to remove the Mwave driver from the Linux 7.0 kernel is rooted in practicality. The hardware it supported is now woefully outdated, and the likelihood of anyone still using these modems to connect to the internet is virtually nonexistent. In fact, the patch notes humorously suggest that if anyone is still clinging to these vintage ThinkPads, they could always use the RS-232 port to attach an external modem instead.

The removal of the Mwave driver also reflects the Linux kernel’s ongoing commitment to streamlining and modernizing its codebase. By eliminating support for obsolete hardware, developers can focus on improving performance, security, and compatibility for contemporary devices. The Mwave driver, which accounted for over 2, 600 lines of code, was a small but symbolic part of this effort.

What Else is New in Linux 7.0?

The removal of the Mwave driver was part of a larger char/misc pull request that included several other updates and improvements. These include:

• IIO Driver Updates: Enhancements to the Industrial I/O (IIO) subsystem, which is crucial for interfacing with sensors and other hardware in industrial and embedded systems.
• GPIB Updates: Improvements to the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) driver, which is used for connecting and controlling test and measurement devices.
• i3c Driver Updates: Advancements in the i3c (improved inter-integrated circuit) driver, a new standard for connecting sensors and other peripherals in modern devices.
• Binder C and Rust Driver Improvements: Refinements to the Binder driver, which facilitates inter-process communication (IPC) in Android and other systems, with updates in both C and Rust.
• Various Other Updates: A host of smaller but significant changes to improve the overall stability and functionality of the Linux kernel.

The Legacy of the Mwave Modem

While the Mwave driver may no longer have a place in modern computing, its legacy lives on. It serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of hardware and software development. The ThinkPad models that housed this modem were groundbreaking in their time, and they laid the foundation for the sleek, powerful laptops we use today.

For tech enthusiasts and historians, the removal of the Mwave driver is a poignant moment. It’s a reminder that even the most innovative technologies eventually become obsolete, making way for the next generation of advancements. As we bid farewell to the Mwave modem, we also celebrate the ingenuity and creativity that brought it to life.

Conclusion

The removal of the Mwave driver from the Linux 7.0 kernel is more than just a technical update—it’s a nod to the past and a step toward the future. While the 3780i ACP Modem and its associated driver may no longer serve a practical purpose, they remain an important part of computing history. As Linux continues to evolve, it’s clear that the spirit of innovation that gave rise to technologies like the Mwave modem is alive and well.

So, here’s to the Mwave modem—a relic of the 1990s that helped shape the digital age. May it rest in peace, knowing that its contributions will never be forgotten.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

• Linux 7.0 kernel
• Mwave driver removal
• IBM ThinkPad 600E
• 3780i ACP Modem
• Pentium II era tech
• Dial-up internet nostalgia
• Obsolete hardware
• Kernel modernization
• RS-232 port
• Tech history
• Vintage computing
• Industrial I/O updates
• i3c driver advancements
• Binder driver improvements
• Linux kernel evolution
• Goodbye to the 90s
• Tech progress
• Retro tech
• Computing milestones
• End of an era
• Nostalgia meets innovation

,