[Solved] Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

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Augie77
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[Solved] Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

#1 Post by Augie77 »

I am not a purist, my OS should work for me, not me for my OS. I expect my hardware components to work as designed and with the most appropriate firmware/software that is available. How do I ensure I am able to have access and download all non-free firmware for my Bookwork installation?

Thanks
Last edited by Augie77 on 2024-04-28 20:27, edited 1 time in total.

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bbbhltz
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Re: Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

#2 Post by bbbhltz »

It is pretty straightforward.

Edit (with nano or vim or whatever) /etc/apt/sources.list.

Add contrib and non-free-firmware after main:

deb http://deb.debian.org/debian/ bookworm main contrib non-free-firmware

Then do you your regular update and upgrade.

You can also do

Code: Select all

sudo apt install software-properties-common
And

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sudo apt-add-repository contrib non-free-firmware
Then you can go about hunting for missing firmware, maybe using something like

Code: Select all

# dmesg | grep -i firmware
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Re: Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

#3 Post by wizard10000 »

Edited the post above and fixed a typo that was kinda critical - changed "contrb" to "contrib".
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Re: Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

#4 Post by Augie77 »

Thanks very much, I appreciate the link, info, and correction. I will mark this as solved and hopefully it will be of help to other members and site visitors.

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Re: [Solved] Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

#5 Post by sunrat »

It is explained in a section of the Release Notes for Bookworm - https://www.debian.org/releases/bookwor ... free-split
Everyone reads the Release Notes before installing, right? :lol:
contrib is not essential but can be useful.
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Re: [Solved] Non-Free Firmware -- How to find and install it?

#6 Post by Augie77 »

sunrat wrote: 2024-04-28 22:43 It is explained in a section of the Release Notes for Bookworm - https://www.debian.org/releases/bookwor ... free-split
Everyone reads the Release Notes before installing, right? :lol:
contrib is not essential but can be useful.
Touche' ... you are correct. :) As I recall, I did read the Release Notes, but coming from Mint I had no idea what non-free-firmware was about, so quickly moved on. I followed a thread from another member here that was not pleased about non-free-firmware being installed and that piqued my interest enough to want to be certain I had access to all the tools in the toolbox. I have since read more about the matter; I do appreciate the links and advice from all.

Thanks

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