Linux Questions

1172 readers

11 users here now

Linux questions Rules (in addition of the Lemmy.zip rules)

stay on topic
be nice (no name calling)
do not post long blocks of text such as logs
do not delete your posts
only post questions (no information posts)

Tips for giving and receiving help

be as clear and specific
say thank you if a solution works
verify your solutions before posting them as facts.

Any rule violations will result in disciplinary actions

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Difference between firmware-linux and firmware-linux-nonfree in Debian? (self.linuxquestions)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by Veraxis to c/[email protected]

5 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I have a new install of Debian 12 Bookworm, and I have added the nonfree firmware sources to my sources list.

However, when I run apt search firmware-linux I see three options

firmware-linux

firmware-linux-free [installed, automatic]

firmware-linux-nonfree

I would like to use nonfree firmware, but I am confused by that first option. what does firmware-linux include or not include that is different from firmware-linux-nonfree? Which should I install?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] Spider89 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

firmware-linux : Metapackage

firmware-linux-free [installed, automatic]:

This is firmware that's complies with DFSG (Debian Free Software Guidelines). It includes few firmware.

firmware-linux-nonfree

This is the rest of firmware that isn't free. This has more firmware but at a cost of your freedom.

If your system runs well, you may be fine with what you have. If you are missing anything, install nonfree or any of its dedicated firmware packages.

[–] Veraxis 1 points 1 year ago

I suppose that is true that I might not need it. I am running a very minimal install with no DE, and so far I am not aware of anything that is broken.