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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Bluetooth dongle working without propietary firmware (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 month ago by corvus@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I'm having trouble to find a bluetooth dongle at least 3.0 that needs no propietary firmware. It's easy to find dongles advertised as linux compatible or users that claim that an specific brand works fine in linux, but the problem is that many of them are using propietary firmware without their users being aware because their distributions have already installed propietary drivers or firmwares, or ask users to install them and they just do it. I use debian main repository (without non-free software) in which I failed to make work a couple of linux compatible advertised dongles because debian ask me to install a propietary firmware. So if anyone knows for certain that some brand that needs no such a software in linux I'll apreciate your help.

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[–] corvus@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It's a mini PC, no PCI or m.2 extension, it's connected to the internet through cable, but I also have WiFi dongle and a Bluetooth dongle that don't require proprietary firmware, but the Bluetooth version is only 1.1 which its limitations and I want to upgrade.

[–] Grass@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

That's too bad. From what I can find online there are a bunch that have in kernel drivers but I can't personally vouch for any of them. I haven't seen any reports of linux compatible usb bt dongles above 5.0 so far but that might just be Google's fault for making internet searching garbage.

[–] Strit@lemmy.linuxuserspace.show 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

Just to clarify. In-kernel drivers is not the same as open source firmware. Most bluetooth dongles use the in-kernel driver, but require proprietary firmware to be loaded before they work. Most of that firmware is present in the linux-firmware packages/repository, but the setup would no longer be FOSS only.

[–] Grass@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago

Oh I didn't know about this. Is there an easy way to check if the current setup has proprietary firmware in use?

[–] corvus@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

Yeah, that's exactly the problem, thanks for the better wording.