BIOS update and LVFS

[Colin Watson]

On Sun, Aug 09, 2020 at 01:32:23PM +0100, REUBY Dianne via ubuntu-users wrote:
> Hi, recently bought a StarLite Mark II laptop with 18.04 pre-installed, Gnome desktop.
> 
> I'm getting an update notification for an embedded controller update - stable release to fix bugs in function keys accessing boot menus. I get an error trying to run this "unable to update". Vendors website gives this as solution:
> 
> ======
> 
> If you are unable to install BIOS version 1.0.4 or 1.0.5 on the Star Lite Mk II, please follow the below steps:
> 
> Turn your laptop off.
> Turn your laptop back on and instantly tap the F7 key repeatedly until you see a blue boot menu appear. (If you have function lock enabled, you will need to press Fn + F7).
> Select Setup from the list and press Enter.
> Use the arrow keys to navigate to the boot tab.
> Find the option for Fastboot and change it from Enable to Disable.
> Press F10 to save and exit.
> Try to install the update again
> 
> ===========

I can't really evaluate this completely, but it sounds harmless enough
and I can see why it might help.

> Before I start messing with my BIOS (I thought that had been replaced with some other acronym?) I'd get advice from people who know what they're talking about! 

"BIOS" often refers to specifically the classic, or "legacy", PC BIOS
firmware based on reverse-engineered implementations of the original IBM
PC firmware; this has in most cases been replaced by UEFI, which is an
evolution of firmware originally developed for Itanium systems.  Most
UEFI implementations also provide a compatibility mode where legacy BIOS
services are available.

However, "BIOS" is also sometimes used as a somewhat generic term for
system firmware, by synecdoche [1], and in that sense you still have one
of those even if the implementation is different.  It's not uncommon to
see system vendors talking about "UEFI BIOS" to mean "system firmware
implemented using a UEFI core".

[1] Sorry, I just like having a legitimate excuse to use that excellent
    word.

> I'm assuming LVFS is a secure server owned by the laptop vendor so I know I'm getting an authorised update?

It's a vendor-neutral project (https://fwupd.org/) owned by the Linux
Foundation.  Personally I would trust this *more* than one owned by the
laptop vendor.

> Should I turn Fastboot back on after the update?

I have no opinion on this.

> Should I even do the update? I don't think I've ever updated a BIOS in my life!

I would - I think generally keeping firmware updated is a good idea just
like any other software.  Though if the vendor's instructions still fail
then I'd be inclined to contact them rather than try anything creative.

-- 
Colin Watson (he/him)                              [cjwatson at ubuntu.com]