Posted on 05/09/2009 3:07:52 AM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing
The Flashrom utility is developed by the CoreBoot project (formerly known as LinuxBIOS) as a way to read, write, erase, and verify flash ROM chips. Flashrom has been in development for quite a while (nearly a decade), but now they have finally come out with a version 0.9.0 release and soon expect to reach a 1.0 status. This utility supports nearly every x86 motherboard after having worked on support for over 150 flash chip families (and many various for each family), 75 different chipsets, workarounds for non-standard motherboards, and there is no need for CD-ROM or floppy disk.
Previously Linux users have had to create an MS-DOS or FreeDOS boot disk and then run a proprietary DOS-based BIOS flashing program, but it is now becoming easy and universally supported to flash the BIOS from your desktop. Flashrom can also flash a BIOS perfectly fine over SSH or through other means as long as there is root access. Flashrom also supports cross-flashing and hot-flashing.
While Flashrom 0.9 is a great step for free software and Linux hardware support, Carl-Daniel Hailfinger shared with us that they already have plenty of "exciting code" they plan to merge for the 1.0 release and it should end up being a "truly marvelous" release. At this time, Flashrom is CLI-based with no GUI, but the options are simple to backup a BIOS image, erase a BIOS chip, and to flash the BIOS with a new image.
(Excerpt) Read more at phoronix.com ...
b
Regards,
Does Windows have one like this?
Which . . . being translated from the original Klingon
means ???? in practical terms for ignorant laymen ???
I have an ACER NET BOOK ASPIRE with Linux and only a FLASH DRIVE—no CD drive in the machine.
I flashed it, but it didn't do anything....
I suppose . . . there’s . . . uhhhh . . .
flashers . . .
and then there are . . . uhhh . . .
flashers.
Perhaps . . . uhhh . . . some have the goods and do the trick . . . and some don’t.
With that . . . I think I’ll take my still groggy fingers and run away before some
very . . . uhhhh twisted OThuga disciple tries to flash me!
LOL.
I guess they can’t really call them ROM chips anymore.
thanks..
You rarely need to flash a BIOS. Hardware changes are just about the only reason.
It is still the most effective way to kill a motherboard.
Wow! Linux will REALLY take off now!
Gramma has always wanted to do this so she can get email picutres of her grandchildren and sewing club
What this program does is it allows Linux desktop/server users to flash their system bios-es while up and running, which is more convenient than booting into a DOS floppy, etc. You probably still need to reboot immediately, but you can do it from your “desktop”.
Oh, and from the post...
“At this time, Flashrom is CLI-based with no GUI, but the options are simple to backup a BIOS image, erase a BIOS chip, and to flash the BIOS with a new image.”
But this can still be done while you computer is in operation.
And in consideration of the fact that we’ve seen NO posts from our local effete corps of iMpudent iSnobs, I pose the following Q&A:
Q - HOW does an iSnob flash their Apple’s BIOS?
A - With an iFlash iUtility from the iSnobs 4-3VR website!
OK, it’s still early, need some iCoffee to spark up my sense of iHumor.
THANKS.
I mostly understand all that! LOL.
This means it’ll be easier for you to update your BIOS if necessary.
Ahhhh.
Thanks.
Acer seems to have that all well in hand from their website . . . as long as there’s access! LOL.
Appreciated your helpful reply.
Don’t expect to need it, but that’s cool.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.