Psnarf wrote:Why not compile FAHClient against the OpenSSL 1.1.1 series?
I am going to give two reasons, both are true to some extent.
1) Thousands of folders using older linux installs will have to upgrade or quit. You can install an old version of most linux packages, but dependencies make installing newer versions a form of whack a mole. In the end reinstalling Linux is easier than tracking down all the packages needed. So Cauldron Development tries not to change the required packages and to compile on the oldest version of linux they can, so the fewest folders are cut off from folding. If you were the only folder, or you could force everyone to upgrade, your plan WOULD be best.
2) So far as I know Cauldron Development is one programmer, so re compiling the Linux client to the latest standards comes at the cost of new development. Everyone wants the new features. Since he has to synchronize the Windows/Mac/Linux clients with the various servers (Assignment, Statistics,etc.) He needs to stay focused across multiple platforms, before starting again with a new version.
Folding at home still supports CPUs back to the P4 Willamette, and GPUs back to 2012 (Kepler, GCN); cutting off linux support will not broaden its user base.