Should I install fwupd package?

[Member stevesr0]

fwupd is a package in the debian old stable repositories that provides for updating firmware. However, I am not sure whether this is generally recommended. I believe that this links to a site “linux Vendor Firmware Service” (lvfs.org) that holds firmware provided by OEM vendors.

I am leery about routinely updating firmware (especially BIOS firmware) because of the potential for breaking a system and having difficulty going backwards.

So, I would appreciate comments from those who have tried or use this service routinely.

N.B. I know one of my machines – from Opowered (a Walmart house brand) isn’t listed. My other two systems are models that don’t clearly match the model IDs listed from my vendors.

Most importantly, I am unaware of a security problem that I risk if I don’t update this. My systems don’t have any problems – so I don’t want to create any.

Thanks.

stevesr0

[Moderator BobC]

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You didn’t say what you were fixing, or how you know this program will make anything better?

Is there a newer, better BIOS available for your machine that fixes a problem you are having?

• This reply was modified 9 months ago by BobC.

[Member ModdIt]

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Firmware or BIOS updates.
One of the cases where experience and expense has made me careful :-(.

Updating firmware is always a major operation. If there is no need leave as is.
Dual BIOS boards are reputed to be recoverable on update errors but as a broken
board is both expensive and may not even work as expected.

Better to follow: If it aint broken dont fix it.

If you must update use tools provided or recommended and tested by the board manufacturer
That does
in most cases mean inserting a windoze drive. Test version is good enough so no need to buy a
licence.

Updating or fixing firmware is now no longer confined to BIOS. Some Transcend USB Sticks, SSD,
modern HDD, Router some android or alternative OS Phones may at times need the process.

Fixed both of my defective Transcend 64GB sticks with online tool.

[Member stevesr0]

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Hi BobC and Moddit,

This package came up at a local LUG meeting.

My systetoms are (as far as I can tell <g>), working OK.

I don’t like to do BIOS upgrades.

I was checking to see if there was a good reason to install this, which would start “encouraging” me to do firmware upgrades, even tho nothing is broke.

Your responses reinforce my instinct NOT to install this package.

Thanks.

stevesr0

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