06.01.2017, 23:26, "Theo de Raadt" <dera...@openbsd.org>: > If you don't want such firmwares loaded onto the hardware, then don't > buy the hardware that needs it. > > There is your choice. > > I see no value in asking a user the question.
I have misunderstood the purpose and use of the term "free" of OpenBSD then. "OpenBSD strives to provide code that can be freely used, copied, modified, and distributed by anyone and for any purpose", apparently there exists exceptions to this then. Of course it doesn't say anything like, "OpenBSD strives to ONLY provide.." Sorry, my mistake! > END OF CONVERSATION. > >> I know that we cannot trust the hardware vendors and that all the hardware >> is running firmware on ROMS, except some which are provided be the kernel. >> >> However, I fail to understand the reason for this patch: >> >> >> http://cvsweb.openbsd.org/cgi-bin/cvsweb/src/distrib/miniroot/install.sub?f=h#rev1.654 >> >> It was really nice when OpenBSD asked during installation. >> >> Yes, it can be argued that since we cannot get any open hardware at all it >> doesn't matter whether the firmware is located on a ROM or if it's installed >> by the kernel, but if we use that logic we might as well just use whatever >> binary driver blob the vendors make for everything, right? >> >> If no, then why not, what's the difference between running closed source >> firmware and closed source drivers? >> >> During a Debian installation, or even a Linux Mint installation, the user >> gets the choice whether he wants to install these "non-free firmware blobs". >> >> What have I misunderstood? >> >> Kind regards, >> >> Martin
