explained comic · 10 pages · your annotated copy
an educational manga explainer
Before Linux Boots: Free Firmware and Coreboot
comicexplain
session notes
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my take on page 1
key idea
Every computer runs firmware in the silent gap between pressing power and the operating system starting.
p. 1 · 10
my take on page 2
key idea
Firmware initializes memory, clocks, and buses, then passes control to a bootloader and the operating system.
p. 2 · 10
my take on page 3
key idea
Conventional BIOS and UEFI arrive as unmodifiable binaries controlled by the vendor rather than the owner.
p. 3 · 10
my take on page 4
key idea
Blobs like Intel ME run as hidden co-processors with privileged access, active even when the main computer is off.
p. 4 · 10
my take on page 5
key idea
Unreadable firmware means unverifiable security and loss of control over hardware you supposedly own.
p. 5 · 10
my take on page 6
key idea
Coreboot replaces closed BIOS with open, inspectable firmware, developed by its inventor Ronald Minnich.
p. 6 · 10
my take on page 7
key idea
Coreboot keeps a small init core, then loads a chosen payload, shrinking the amount of code you must trust.
p. 7 · 10
my take on page 8
key idea
me_cleaner disables most of the Intel ME because it usually cannot be removed, reducing the hidden attack surface.
p. 8 · 10
my take on page 9
key idea
Non-x86 platforms frequently avoid ME-style blobs, making end-to-end libre firmware stacks more practical to build.
p. 9 · 10
my take on page 10
key idea
Flashing Coreboot and me_cleaner lets owners inspect, shrink, and replace hidden firmware, reclaiming control of the boot process.
p. 10 · 10
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