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Should I use the Linux-libre kernel or no?
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2025
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Since you are already using Libreboot, you already have (proprietary) microcode updates installed. So I think it shouldn't be a security disaster with Linux-libre (that assumes that you keep your Libreboot updated). Worst thing that would happen is that your hardware won't work. That's also the best thing that will happen. The blobs are just firmware that gets loaded on a device that needs it. If you have the device, it won't work without blobs. If you don't have it, the firmware is not loaded so the outcome is not that different from regular linux. And also reading from comments there are some blobs for enabling DRM content. I guess that's not mandatory.
Though imo Linux-libre is pointless. For noobs it's a potential security disaster and skilled users would be better off compiling their own kernel with just the features they need to reduce attack surface.