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The lsmod-command shows the odd module. The command "modprobe -a hid_microsoft" does not reveal anything. What is it?

$ modinfo hid_microsoft
filename:       /lib/modules/2.6.28-15-generic/kernel/drivers/hid/hid-microsoft.ko
license:        GPL
srcversion:     3FE2E2F2EE89174E885204A
alias:          hid:b0005v0000045Ep00000701
alias:          hid:b0003v0000045Ep0000009D
alias:          hid:b0003v0000045Ep00000713
alias:          hid:b0003v0000045Ep000000F9
alias:          hid:b0003v0000045Ep000000DB
alias:          hid:b0003v0000045Ep0000003B
depends:
vermagic:       2.6.28-15-generic SMP mod_unload modversions 586
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  • 1
    Isn't it obvious? It's a hidden effort by Microsoft to take over your computer! Thank God for their coding and code naming standards, we found out. Run for your lives, everyone :)
    – tzot
    Commented Jan 5, 2010 at 1:08

2 Answers 2

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4

The "hid" part probably refers to Human Interface Device, which is a USB term for "keyboard or mouse". The "microsoft" part might refer to an interface to a Microsoft mouse or something.

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  • You are probably right! I have a Microsoft keyboard, never thought that it had to have a kernel module for it.
    – Léo Léopold Hertz 준영
    Commented Aug 22, 2009 at 23:30
12

According the kernel driver database, hid_microsoft adds support for Microsoft USB devices that are not compliant with the HID standard. The source code comments allude to handling for "special" features on MS keyboards and wireless devices.

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