index.md 1.9 KB
title: Libreboot project ...
Libreboot is freedom-respecting boot firmware that initializes the hardware (e.g. memory controller, CPU, peripherals) on specific Intel/AMD x86 computers and starts a bootloader for your operating system. GNU+Linux and BSD are well-supported. It replaces proprietary BIOS/UEFI firmware. Help is available via #libreboot on Libera IRC.
Libreboot uses coreboot for hardware initialization. Coreboot is difficult to configure for most non-technical users; it handles only basic initialization and jumps to a separate payload program (e.g. GRUB, Tianocore), which must also be configured. Libreboot solves this problem; it is a coreboot distribution with an automated build system that builds complete ROM images, for easy installation. User-friendly documentation is provided.
Libreboot has advanced features like encrypted /boot/ and GPG support. Binary blobs are excluded, making Libreboot 100% free software, endorsed by the Free Software Foundation. It has helped many people, including the FSF, GNU project and even Richard Stallman. Libreboot can be called Open Source, but you should call it Free Software.