index.md 3.7 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.
The latest version is Libreboot 20210522, released on 22 May 2021. It is a testing release.
Free your BIOS today! GNU GPL style
You have rights. The right to privacy, freedom of thought, freedom of speech and the right to read. Free software gives you these rights. Your freedom matters. Right to repair matters. Many people use proprietary boot firmware, even if they use GNU+Linux. Non-free firmware often contains backdoors, and can be buggy. Libreboot was founded in in December 2013, with the express purpose of making Free Software accessible for non-technical users at the firmware level. Libreboot can be called Open Source, but you should call it Free Software.
Libreboot uses coreboot for hardware initialization. Coreboot is notoriously difficult to install 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 more robust installation. Documentation is provided.
{.right}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.
How to help
Check the tasks page and pick a task to work on. You can also check bugs listed on the bug tracker.
If you spot a bug and have a fix, here are instructions for how to send patches, and you can also report it. Also, this entire website is written in Markdown and hosted in a separate repository where you can send patches.
Libreboot development discussion and user support are all done on the IRC channel. More information is on the contact page.