I have a new install of Debian 12 Bookworm, and I have added the nonfree firmware sources to my sources list.

However, when I run apt search firmware-linux I see three options

firmware-linux

firmware-linux-free [installed, automatic]

firmware-linux-nonfree

I would like to use nonfree firmware, but I am confused by that first option. what does firmware-linux include or not include that is different from firmware-linux-nonfree? Which should I install?

  • TOR-anon1English
    2•1 year ago

    firmware-linux : Metapackage

    firmware-linux-free [installed, automatic]:

    • This is firmware that’s complies with DFSG (Debian Free Software Guidelines). It includes few firmware.

    firmware-linux-nonfree

    • This is the rest of firmware that isn’t free. This has more firmware but at a cost of your freedom.

    If your system runs well, you may be fine with what you have. If you are missing anything, install nonfree or any of its dedicated firmware packages.

    • @VeraxisOPEnglish
      1•1 year ago

      I suppose that is true that I might not need it. I am running a very minimal install with no DE, and so far I am not aware of anything that is broken.