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@@ -6,6 +6,74 @@ x-toc-enable: true Important issues ================ +Is the Libreboot project still active? +------------------------------------------- + +Yes! Please check out [the git +repository](https://notabug.org/libreboot/libreboot) for the extensive work +contributed to the project since the previous release. + +So when is the next version of Libreboot coming out? +------------------------------------------------------- + +Short answer: When it is ready. With your help, this will be sooner rather than +later! Read on to find out where help is most needed. + +Long answer: The new release will be ready when the build system has all +outstanding bugs fixed, allowing it to Libreboot ROM image files for all +supported platforms without reporting any major errors. Once these ROM files are +built, it must be possible to flash them onto every supported platform. All +platforms must then be able to initialize all essential hardware from the code +in the ROM files, then ultimately reach execution the included payload. + +The first obstacle to overcome in this setup is completing the code for the new +build system. Please check out [the git +repository](https://notabug.org/libreboot/libreboot), look over the code for the +build system, and attempt to run the build script for as many platforms as you +can. Document whatever problems you encounter while doing so on [the bug +tracker](https://notabug.org/libreboot/libreboot/issues). If you have strong +knowledge of shell scripting, look at the code yourself and attempt to resolve +whatever the problem may be. At the very least, you can use your investigation +of the code to provide information on your bug report that will help others +determine the proper fix. If you *don't* receive any errors, you should end up +with a Libreboot ROM file! The next paragraph will cover what to do next. + +Once the build system can produce ROM files for any given target, the next step +in preparing for release is testing the ROM files on actual hardware. First, +back up your existing firmware: doing so internally using `flashrom -p internal +-r backup.rom` is probably the most convenient method, though you are welcome to +do so externally as well by following the factory ROM backup procedure for your +platform. You will very likely need this backup since you are testing the new +release, which will have unknown bugs! You will want to have external flashing +equipment handy to flash your backup ROM back onto the device. + +Once you have the backup ready, follow [the on-site +instructions](https://libreboot.org/docs/install/) to flash the new ROM file to +its appropriate hardware platform, then (re)boot your computer. You should +expect to encounter problems! This is new software which needs your testing +support! Document those problems as clearly as possible on [the bug +tracker](https://notabug.org/libreboot/libreboot/issues) to inform the community +of their existence. If you have the technical know-how, try to fix whatever +problems you encounter and whatever other user-submitted bugs you think you can +find. + +You may also get lucky and reach your device payload, in which case: +congratulations! Please document your success on [the bug +tracker](https://notabug.org/libreboot/libreboot/issues) and proceed to test the +capabilities of your payload. When you are done testing, or if the new ROM file +renders your system unbootable, use your external flashing equipment to flash +your backup ROM back to your BIOS chip. + +Other areas where you can help prepare the next release include: porting other +boards from coreboot to Libreboot by removing their dependencies on non-free +components to boot and incorporating them into the build system, telling your +technically skilled friends about Libreboot to encourage their participation, +and offering your devices for testing once the build system reaches maturity. +You can list yourself as a volunteer along with the devices on + +With everyone's help, a new Libreboot release will come sooner rather than +later. + What version of libreboot do I have? ---------------------------------------------------------------- |