Re: Eliminating closed source?

[Joerg Sonnenberger <joerg%britannica.bec.de@localhost>]

On Tue, Jun 23, 2009 at 10:49:38AM -0400, der Mouse wrote:
> Closed-source microcode that can be rewritten by software (eg,
> reflashable BIOS, downloadable disk microcode, etc) is actually the
> kind that bothers me most: it means that once cracked the entire
> machine is fairly permanently untrustworthy.

If you look at most drivers with microcode in the kernel, you will find
out that they have no EEPROM at all. E.g. take a look at most WiFi
chipsets: the microcode is loaded to RAM only. The most basic reason for
this is to save a few cent per device...

Joerg