National Instruments and Linux: Frequently Asked Questions
Which Linux distributions does National Instruments support?National Instruments supports the following distributions of Linux:
This support is provided for 32-bit, x86 platforms only. For details on the supported versions of the specified distributions please refer to KB: What Linux distributions do National Instruments' drivers and software support?. Why does National Instruments support only specific distributions of Linux? If a product works on one distribution, won't it work on any distribution?Because each distribution is custom-configured to provide software extensions that optimize performance or functionality in a specific situation, there is a significant amount of variability in behavior between distributions. The effect of this variability is that drivers may not be compatible with every distribution. In order to ensure that each distribution is adequately tested and supported, National Instruments has chosen to focus its efforts on the distributions specified above. Will National Instruments support other Linux distributions?At this time, NI has no plans to support the following for Linux:
Will National Instruments products function on earlier versions of the supported distributions?While it is possible that National Instruments products may function on earlier versions of the supported distributions, National Instruments neither tests these distribution/version combinations nor provides support for them. Support of or compatibility with any other distribution or version is neither expressed nor implied, nor should it be inferred. National Instruments makes no warranties or guarantees of any kind with respect to the proper operation of its products on distributions or versions other than those specified above. Will National Instruments products continue to function on previously supported distribution/version combinations?National Instruments will make every effort to ensure backward compatibility is maintained for previously supported distribution/version combinations. However, National Instruments will test and support only those combinations specified above. The system requirements for LabVIEW indicate that it supports other distribution/version combinations than those specified above. What does this imply?Effective July 1, 2005, National Instruments supports only the distribution/version combinations specified above. All versions of LabVIEW released after this date will require GNU C Library (glibc) version 2.2.4 or later and will be tested only on the combinations specified above. If you are currently running LabVIEW on a distribution that is listed in the system requirements for your version of LabVIEW, National Instruments will continue to provide support for issues related specifically to LabVIEW. However, National Instruments will no longer provide support for hardware drivers on any distribution/version combination except those specified above. Will National Instruments products function on other distributions that support the 2.6 kernel?While it is possible that National Instruments products may function on other distributions that support the 2.6 kernel, National Instruments neither tests these distributions nor provides support for them. Support of or compatibility with any other distribution or version is neither expressed nor implied, nor should it be inferred. National Instruments makes no warranties or guarantees of any kind with respect to the proper operation of its products on distributions or versions other than those specified above. What is NI-KAL?NI-KAL is a low-layer driver that is compiled when you install it on your machine. NI-KAL provides "glue" between your Linux kernel and other National Instruments software. A version of NI-KAL is included in every National Instruments Linux driver. I have found and repaired a bug in NI-KAL. What should I do?National Instruments is interested in helping you successfully use National Instruments products on Linux. If you believe you have found a bug in NI-KAL, please contact National Instruments as specified below. When you contact National Instruments, please reference NI-KAL so that the appropriate escalation will occur. Which products does National Instruments support on Linux?For a list of specific products that National Instruments supports on Linux, refer to the product-specific pages. These pages provide instructions for acquiring National Instruments software and hardware drivers. National Instruments provides Linux support for many product families including:
Can I port existing LabVIEW programs to LabVIEW for Linux?Yes, as long as the ported VIs use only the functionality that is available for Linux. What versions of LabVIEW and LabVIEW add-ons are available for Linux?The LabVIEW Full Development System, Application Builder, and the Internet Toolkit are available for Linux on the x86 platform. There are no other development systems or add-ons available or planned at this time. The LabVIEW Full Development System is included in NI academic licenses; refer to the NI academic section for more information. How do I obtain Linux support from National Instruments?National Instruments provides Linux support via discussion forums, e-mail, and phone. To obtain support, submit your questions via the NI Request Support system. You also may find the various LabVIEW and Linux community forums helpful. For a list of forums, refer to the additional Linux resources below. Where can I find additional resources for National Instruments and Linux?
|
This document answers some of the frequently asked questions about National Instruments support for the Linux platform. For general information regarding Linux, please refer to