Timeline for Topicality: What should be done with "hobbyist" firmware questions?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
4 events
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| Feb 27, 2012 at 19:59 | comment | added | voretaq7 Mod |
I'm not disputing their utility, or even that there may be appropriate questions on these alternate firmwares, I'm merely pointing out that in my personal opinion any question on the use of a device outside the manufacturer's intended scope should have answers prefaced with You REALLY shouldn't do that, but if you must:. This protects Server Fault's reputation and keeps us from degrading into a home for hackery. (Extreme example: "You can use a Cisco 65xx as an end table / space heater. Cisco won't help you if you spill your coffee on it though.)"
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| Feb 27, 2012 at 17:31 | comment | added | the-wabbit | @voretaq7 it is great for labs or non-critical equipment due to the versatility. And just because something has no support from the hardware vendor does not mean that it is entirely unsupportable. I know of a whole bunch of companies making their living by offering support contracts for third party hardware - not exactly home routers, but not their own stuff nonetheless. | |
| Feb 27, 2012 at 16:02 | comment | added | voretaq7 Mod | OpenWRT is indeed a special case: In most cases it is an unintended use of the manufacturer's hardware, which voids your support from the vendor at the very best (and your warranty at the very worst). I've got no problem with accepting the questions (if they're on-topic otherwise) and even giving helpful answers, but it behooves us as professionals to strongly discourage such things :-) | |
| Feb 26, 2012 at 1:15 | history | answered | the-wabbit | CC BY-SA 3.0 |