>>55452335
20+ years of development by most of the actually talented programmers out there, and a nerdy obsession to have your name on the biggest open source project ever

>>55452335
>Does someone test out each device or do manufacturers contribute?

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1047633/one-writes-linux-drivers-235-usb-webcams

People who own a device without loonix drivers contribute to the kernel. Manufacturers won't even release specifications most of the time.

>>55452335
>Does someone test out each device
Not one person but basically yes. Like 50% of the Linux kernel is just drivers.

>>55452363
>>55452396
It's a good thing we have autism because linux would just not support obscure webcams otherwise. Incredible.

>>55452363
This. It's quite impressive.

Most everything is standard now. PC laptops are just like macs in that they all pretty much run the same shit, but its not as vocal a issue as macfags make it.

>>55452335
>How does the Linux kernel even know so many devices?
Modularity (aka drivers)
>Does someone test out each device or do manufacturers contribute?
Both

>>55452335
Bit of both.

>>55452335
Both.
Linux is open source, you know. That's kind of the point.