fwupd

fwupd is an open source daemon for managing the installation of firmware updates on Linux-based systems, developed by GNOME maintainer Richard Hughes.[1]

It is designed primarily for servicing the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware on supported devices via EFI System Resource Table (ESRT) and UEFI Capsule, which is supported in Linux kernel 4.2 and later. Previously, the initiation of UEFI firmware updates within an operating system could, on most systems, only be performed using Microsoft Windows-specific software. ESRT allows the firmware to expose updatable components to the operating system, which can pass a UEFI capsule with updated firmware for processing and installation on the next boot.[2][3][4] Updates can be exposed via a command line tool, or within graphical package managers (such as GNOME Software) via a D-bus interface.[5]

Linux Vendor Firmware Service

The Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS) provides resources and support for helping vendors package their firmware updates to support the use of this framework, and serves as an online repository for obtaining these updates.[6][1] To provide a test case on systems where ESRT is not yet supported, fwupd is also able to update firmware on the ColorHug color calibrator.[5]

Adoption

Fedora 24 will support the use of fwupd.[1] It is also being considered for inclusion in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.[6]

In December 2015, it was revealed that Hughes had been working with a Dell developer to test the system on actual hardware, and that its Dell Edge Gateway product will support firmware servicing via fwupd. Hughes reported that the company was also "considering expanding out the LVFS support to all new models supporting UEFI updates".[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Linux Users Will Soon Be Able to Update Dell Firmware from Inside the OS". Softpedia. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "Better Firmware Updates in Linux using UEFI Capsules". Intel. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  3. ↑ "Linux BIOS/UEFI Updating Is Going To Get Much Better With UEFI 2.5". Phoronix. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  4. ↑ "Linux 4.2 To Support The EFI System Resource Table". Phoronix. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  5. 1 2 "fwupd: Simple, Open-Source Device Firmware Updating". Phoronix. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Might Get the Option of Updating Firmware Directly from the OS". Softpedia. Retrieved 9 January 2016.

External links

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