I know the error message says I can try using the "no_fwh_detect" option.
So, I am not asking how to fix this error. I am asking what it means, and what the difference is if the module would load with the firmware space not locked read only, versus it loading locked but with the no_fwh_detect option, versus just letting the intel-rng module not load at all. ========== [ 9.611318] intel_rng: Firmware space is locked read-only. If you can't or intel_rng: don't want to disable this in firmware setup, and if intel_rng: you are certain that your system has a functional intel_rng: RNG, try using the 'no_fwh_detect' option. ========== If needed, entire dmesg is here: http://pastebin.ca/3159151 The intel-rng module isn't loaded. The above error repeats in dmesg if running modprobe intel-rng. I'm on a HP xw8400, most recent BIOS (02.38.) There's no BIOS option to unlock the firmware space Question 1 - Am I correct, that without this module, the quality of my random numbers is worse? (Appears this module uses quantum thermal noise.) Question 2 - What's the difference whether I do nothing and allow the error to persist (or blacklist the module) -- or if I use the no_fwh_detect option? Would using this option still get me the quantum thermal noise effects on random numbers? Basically trying to decide whether I should ignore the error or use the option, and can't find anything saying what the drawback to having to use the option is. -- To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in the body of a message to majord...@vger.kernel.org More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/