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by tedunangst 1612 days ago
Whether it's loaded into RAM or ROM is the most useless distinction to make. It's functionally identical. Now whether a driver requires executing proprietary code on the host CPU, that is a useful distinction to make, because it allows independent OS implementations to create free drivers.
1 comments
kevin_thibedeau 1612 days ago
It isn't identical. With a fixed ROM, every user is denied an opportunity to upgrade rather than just those without an anointed OS. It's about equal access.
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tedunangst 1612 days ago
Sounds like a good reason to certify hardware that puts firmware in RAM.
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kevin_thibedeau 1612 days ago
Most peripheral ICs have an on board micro with internal RAM and flash. Their RAM isn't typically accessible.
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tedunangst 1612 days ago
Nevertheless, the first thing the driver for wifi in my laptop does is load up a big firmware file from disk, caused to be shoved into IC RAM, and then proceed to connect to the network. That this process could somehow become more free by embedding a frozen firmware image blows my mind.

And it's not like I haven't seen what the other side looks like. The Broadcom "full MAC" chipsets are also supported, with their remotely exploitable firmware. But those are also "fully" free. Hurray.

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