Hello, I’m wondering if I should use the Linux-libre kernel or if I should stay with the stock Linux kernel. I do want to remain 100% FOSS and have Libreboot installed, but, does it really matter if I use the stock kernel or not? Can the blobs from the stock kernel be a vulnerbility? My only reason for wanting to stay with the stock kernel is because its better maintained and gets audited more. But I’m really just worried about the blobs, can they do anything?
Unless you know what it is and have REALLY strong feelings about that, nope. You wouldn’t be here asking otherwise. You’re fine.
Depends on your hardware and distro. Might not be so bad assuming it’s one of those old Thinkpads. Also, though, if you’re on Debian; they deblob their kernel already and put the blobs in separate packages so they can be optionally used. Don’t install any blobs and you’re good.
only the truly ascetic stallman monks can main libre stuff
Use whatever works for you. Perfect is the enemy of good. If there was anything better or just as good as free software as the few blobs that are in there they would be replaced since blobs are a pain to work around.
If you have a wireless card (or don’t need wireless) capable of working with Linux Libre, then by all means use it. There is no technological advantage to using Linux-Libre. There are principle advantages. I say this as someone who uses Linux-Libre on my Gentoo laptop (and maintains an overlay with an ebuild for Linux-Libre).
