[Fsf-Debian] A small thought on how Debian might be able to help.

[Paul van der Vlis]

op 05-09-14 19:05, John Sullivan schreef:
> Daniel Kahn Gillmor <dkg at fifthhorseman.net> writes:
>
>> the ath9k-htc at least has compilable firmware (though the compilation
>> steps appear to involve patching the toolchain itself, so they are not
>> particularly easy compared to most debian build processes):
>>
>>   https://github.com/qca/open-ath9k-htc-firmware
>>
>> I can't speak for other "blessed" wifi devices.
>>
>> 	--dkg
> 
> The above is also a good example, because the firmware started its life
> proprietary. 

It's also a good example for a point I have asked for. The Debian
installer asks for "non-free firmware" [1]. In most cases it will be
missing non-free firmware, but it's possible there is free firmware
what's not on the installation media. E.g. because it's new.

So the Debian installer could ask for "firmware", and not for "non-free
firmware". For an example see [2].

Ian Jackson asked me for examples of free firmware, and my examples
where not very good. But this is a good example!

I would also ask for a default of not to install firmware. In the most
cases it's not necessary because you can use another device for
installation and some devices what request firmware work without
firmware too (e.g. Realtek)

With regards,
Paul van der Vlis.

[1]
------------
[!] detect network hardware

Some of your hardware needs non-free firmware to operate. The firmware
can be loaded from removable media, such as a USB stick or floppy.

The missing firmware files are: ......

If you have such media available now, please insert it, and continue.

Load missing firmware from removable media?

Yes       No
----------
Where "Yes" is the default choice.


[2]
---------
| [!] detect network hardware
|
| Some of your hardware requests firmware. Debian only ships
| free firmware and probably there was no free firmware available for
| your hardware at the time this installer was made.
|
| The requested firmware files are: ......
|
| Firmware can be loaded from removable media, such as an USB stick or
| floppy. Sometimes an adapter works without the requested firmware too.
| Load missing firmware from removable media?
|
| Yes       No




-- 
Paul van der Vlis Linux systeembeheer, Groningen
http://www.vandervlis.nl