Re: [gNewSense-users] Non-Free Firmware

[Sam Geeraerts]

Brian Kemp schreef:
> > I have realized  BCM 4312 uses non-free firmware. Is it a good idea to
> install non-free firmware while I can get the owner a wireless card with a
> fully libre driver?
>
> (I am not the official gNewSense party line)
>
> The firmware runs on the device, not the host CPU. Generally those
> devices don't spy on you or do other nefarious things but know you are
> not going to be in full control of it.
>
> I can't think of any known situations where non-free *firmware*
> running on a device's CPU caused a security problem or data
> compromise. I *can* think of some where non-free *drivers* running on
> the *host* CPU did. (nvidia drivers had a glyph rendering bug; remote
> ownership was possible.)

Free software is not just a matter of security.

> As a temporary measure until you can get a better piece of hardware?
> Probably fine.
> It's not a good permanent solution and you should replace the hardware.

The official gNewSense party line is that it is not a good idea to 
install non-free firmware [1]. We have gone through a lot of effort (and 
still are) to keep it out of the operating system. Suggesting non-free 
software is not a solution and belittles the work we are doing.

Also, temporary measures have a way of becoming permanent when the 
fulfillment of short term goals diminishes the need or the will to change.

[1] http://wiki.gnewsense.org/Main/CommunityGuidelines