Zeon

@Zeon@lemmy.world

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Zeon , (edited )

If you're interested, the Dell T1650 is currently supported by Libreboot. I use it for everything; it has a Xeon E3 1275 V2, 32GB DDR3L ECC RAM, NVIDIA 2080 SUPER, 2x4TB HDD (RAID 1), 1TB NVMe M.2 (PCIe x4 adapter needed), and a 700W PSU (EVGA 700BR). It handles all my games, and I use Proxmox VE as my host, allowing me to create virtual machines where I can passthrough my GPU and use anything proprietary in the VM. Even the GPU drivers can be passed through (no need to install on the host), so essentially, I'm running 100% free software on my host.

Obviously, nothing can be 100% FOSS in the hardware (proprietary ECs, proprietary CPU microcode, proprietary storage firmware, etc.), BUT you can free the BIOS. There is currently a blob needed for the PCIe x16 slot, but it can be reverse-engineered in the future – not sure if there is anything else; I'll have to ask. There is one board coming soon that I know can be made blobless in the BIOS, and that is the Dell Optiplex 9020 MT. It's a Haswell board capable of using an i7 4790K with AVX2 instructions. I'm actually the first person to use this board, as I'm the one who made the port along with some help from the Libreboot team. The board is currently in its testing phase still, but soon in the next couple weeks we will make it freely availble.

This is super cheap hardware; you can find the whole PC on eBay for like $50-$60, or you can just buy the motherboard for like $15-$25. I bought only the motherboard because I'm using it in my gaming computer case. Also, you don't even need any fancy flashing equipment, all you need is a insulated screwdriver to short one of the SERVICE_MODE pins on the motherboard to unlock the BIOS chip, which then allows you to flash Libreboot through your OS. Libreboot is more secure than any non-free BIOS/UEFI. At least with Libreboot, you can have transparency, and you get new updates with better features coming out.

For example, Libreboot supported Argon2 encryption in GRUB for fully encrypting your storage drive. This allows you to encrypt the /boot partition and fully encrypt your disk with ease when installing a fresh operating system. Also, you can run Windows on the host with Libreboot, it is supported but not officially. I highly recommend Libreboot, as you can tell.

Zeon ,

I own a Dell T1650 and Dell Optiplex 9020, and yes you are correct about them making everything proprietary, but the motherboard can still be used as long as you have the adapters for it. You will need to DIY, or buy a custom cable from a vendor that makes them for the motherboard. I use a Dell Optiplex 9020 MT motherboard in my NZXT case, I use a EVGA 700BR, a custom 24 pin to 8 pin connector, and a molex to fan adapter cable for my other fans, and everything works great! Also, I added Libreboot support for it as well :D

CPU FAN:
https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-i70-CPU-RR-I70-20PK-R1/dp/B07QNN9MW3/ref=pd_aw_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=uGY4W&content-id=amzn1.sym.0e5c7f8b-153f-45ea-a1fd-9585fc3a0cd5%3Aamzn1.symc.2b06b7e8-a86c-4e6e-b02c-90d58278f4f1&pf_rd_p=0e5c7f8b-153f-45ea-a1fd-9585fc3a0cd5&pf_rd_r=NJ3TZ775JESQ13BRMSND&pd_rd_wg=031k7&pd_rd_r=981f2986-2fe4-4291-a6c6-8daa32270b4e&pd_rd_i=B07QNN9MW3

CPU FAN ADAPTER CABLE:
https://www.amazon.com/CRJ-5-Pin-Female-Adapter-Motherboards/dp/B0871P9X72/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=19CH0DE3GUFGG&keywords=dell+optiplex+9020+fan+adapter&qid=1694594053&sprefix=dell+optiplex+9020+c+fan+adapter%2Caps%2C683&sr=8-5

POWER SWITCH CABLE:
https://www.amazon.com/Warmstor-3-Pack-Desktop-Button-Computer/dp/B072FMVZJZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2KW0OE1E7QEFW&keywords=power+switch+cable+for+pc&qid=1707797019&sprefix=power+switch+cable+%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3

28 PIN TO 8 PIN ADAPTER:
https://www.moddiy.com/products/Dell-OptiPlex-9020-PSU-Main-Power-24-Pin-to-8-Pin-Adapter-Cable-30cm.html

MOLEX TO CASE FAN ADAPTER:
https://www.amazon.com/Molex-Case-Sleeved-Adapter-Cable/dp/B08393S29W/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=YC96W76081OT&keywords=molex+to+fan+adapter&qid=1707797145&sprefix=molex+to+fan+%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-4

Zeon ,

"Literally Hitler"

Yeah, I don't like what Biden is doing in Gaza either.

Zeon OP , (edited )

It's sad but true. I'm just so baffled as to why? Wouldn't anyone just be curious to figure out how stuff works? Think of all the brilliant minds out there who are being cut off simply because of corporate greed. Not only that, but they're deemed as criminals for making it do something it wasn't intended to do (e.g. Xbox 360 w/ RGH). I just think we're wasting so much potential to make the world a better place. And we can already see the love behind just using and creating software while following the Free Software philosophy.

My goal is to help people, maybe you or anyone else might be interested, to get to actually USE their computers, understand how they work, etc.

The creator of Libreboot, Leah Rowe, and I are making support for the Dell Optiplex 9020 MT. It's a Haswell motherboard that supports a i7 4790K, 32GB DDR3 RAM, you can also use a 2080 SUPER (or anything else), without the need for any proprietary BIOS firmware (eventually, we still need to reverse engineer 1-2 blobs). It has internal flashing capabilites, so no need to buy flashing equipment, all you need is an insulated screwdriver to short one of the SERVICE_MODE pins, which unlocks the flash chip basically. This allows you to flash the firmware through the OS, which makes it 10x easier for anyone to start using Libreboot. The motherboard you can buy on eBay right now for about $20, or you can buy the whole PC for like $100-$120. Still though, isn't enough but it will be a step in the right direction.

Zeon OP ,

Absolutely, creating a complete modern computer is an incredibly complex task. Building a 3GHz CPU from scratch is a monumental challenge, and even assembling components like stm32 or Pis requires a level of expertise. Developing your own drivers, dealing with various peripherals, and ensuring compatibility is tough shit.

However, once the software is written and released under a Free Software license, it will be there forever. As you've already stated, it's hard, but not impossible. I share your hope that one day we will reach the point where such endeavors become more feasible.

Zeon OP ,

While I understand the challenges you're pointing out, it's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone working on personal projects expects immediate financial gains. Some individuals are motivated by a passion for exploration and a desire to contribute to open and accessible technology. Even if replicating a professional-grade computer at home is challenging, there's value in fostering a community-driven approach to technology, aiming for transparency and independence from corporate interests. The pursuit of knowledge and the potential for positive societal impact can be significant motivators, transcending immediate financial returns.

Zeon OP ,

I'm sorry if I came off as rude or anything. This issue just frustrates me so much.

Zeon ,

YEAH! GET EM' RIGHT WHERE THE MONEY IS!

Zeon ,

T440p if you're comfortable upgrading it yourself. It's very easy to customize, parts are cheap, and it has a socketed CPU slot. You can buy upgrades for it like a i7 4900MQ, 2x8GB RAM, and a nice 1080p IPS display. It can also be Librebooted (you have to take it apart), and it has a SD card slot, CD tray, and a option to upgrade the standard keyboard to a backlit keyboard.

I've been using it everyday and could honestly use it for another 5-6 years and I'd be fine with it. I just do browsing, coding, etc.

Zeon ,

I don't want to vote for either of them. They both suck.

Zeon , (edited )

Wasn't on my phone yet jackass

Zeon ,

Both of them do suck. I hate both of them, not the leaders I'd want in office. I'd rather vote for RFK, but even he has his quirks. My family is right leaning, I'm not, but I'm sure as hell not voting for Biden to get relected.

Zeon ,

Why not use Chromium w/ uBlock instead of Brave?

Zeon ,

Still got to worry about firmware. We don't own shit.

Zeon ,

How would it become a fascist dystopia exactly?

Zeon ,

Source?

Zeon ,

This.

Zeon ,

It's free / libre software, which is even better, because it gives you more freedom than just 'open-source' software. Make sure to check the licenses of software that you use. Anything based on GPL, MIT, or Apache 2.0 are Free Software licenses. Anyways, together monkey strong 💪

Biden says he is forgiving $5 billion in student debt for another 74,000 Americans ( www.cbsnews.com )

President Biden announced Friday that his administration is forgiving $5 billion in student debt for another 74,000 borrowers, marking the latest round of debt cancellation since the Supreme Court voided the president's student loan forgiveness program....

Zeon ,

What about people who decided to go to a cheap college? Do we get any money?

Zeon , (edited )

Well, I'd imagine the people who went to cheap colleges are probably the ones who are in shitty situations.

You're basically telling me that I shouldn't be allowed to have relief payments, even after I had to forfeit having a real college experience? Guess I could've just went to a expensive college and begged for the government to save my ass.

Choosing to go to a expensive college is 100% that persons choice, why should we be obligated to pay their debt? What are you on about?

Zeon , (edited )

Not really, again, its literally that persons choice to choose that college. Instead of paying off 72,000 people with $5 billion, why don't you just pay off the majority of kids based on income who can't afford college?

They're just giving money away to a marginal amount of people that made the poor decision to goto a expensive college.

Zeon , (edited )

Because it was their own choice.

If I blew all my money after I won the lottery, would you give me another million?

Zeon ,

Not my problem, they knew how much they were spending, it's not like you can't make your own choices. Be smart and you'll live, people want to justify their atrocious spending and go oh poor me! People need to figure out how much they're paying and what kind of loan they're taking.

I see so many blindless people pick the most expensive college, drop out within 3-6 months, and now cry to the government to help them out. Here's a solution, don't pay for something your ass can't afford.

Zeon , (edited )

Maybe make better financial decisions and you'd never have a problem in the first place? You are considered an adult at 18 years old so I really don't know what your point is. I was 19 when I decided to goto college because I figured out what I could afford. My parents begged me at 18 to go to a over $20k/year school, I absoulutely refused. My whole tuition cost me $15k for a full bachelors degree in Computer Science. It's solely up to you to make your life choices, I get that there is peer pressure, but honestly, think for yourself.

Zeon ,

Not my problem

Zeon ,

Ubuntu GNU/Linux is not entirely FOSS, as it ships with non-free software by default. If you're committed to FOSS principles, I would recommend Debian GNU/Linux instead.

However, it's important to note that Debian GNU/Linux is not recognized by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) as a completely FOSS distribution. This is because Debian includes non-free firmware packages for those who need them.

From a security perspective, this is acceptable, as the Linux kernel won't load these packages unless the corresponding hardware is available. Debian ships with Free Software by default, and I would suggest giving it a try if possible!

It's essentially the same as Ubuntu, but more freedom-respecting.

Zeon ,

I was simply offering a suggestion. The original poster used the term 'FOSS' to describe Ubuntu GNU/Linux, which isn't entirely accurate, as Ubuntu includes non-free software by default.

My intention was to ensure they were informed about it. The whole point of GNU/Linux is to make sure that every computer user has freedom. If you think sharing information and teaching people is bad, maybe you're using the wrong operating system.

Zeon , (edited )

I was with a girl in her room and when she started teaching me about astrology, I just bursted out laughing with how dumb it was. Basically, what you just said before but 10x worse with this girl, there were rocks fucking everywhere. I'm suprised Hank from Breaking Bad didn't show up.

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