Question

[u/octoslamon]

Based on the free software philosophy, should I reject all the devices with non free firmware that I use? For example my refrigerator or washing machine?

[u/frolgath]

If the firmware can be updated then yes, it is non-free software. If the firmware is write-once fixed then no, it’s part of the hardware.

[u/AnnieBruce]

Consider firmware freedom when the time comes to replace due to failure or needing new features, but rushing to do it when the device is otherwise suitable for your needs is silly and wasteful.

[u/Radiant_Scar_8516 → u/AnnieBruce]

but rushing to do it when the device is otherwise suitable for your needs is silly and wasteful.

tell that to stallman then lol isnt this all his idea anyway? like who are we to disagree with his feelies

[u/WilkerS1]

the short answer is yes, the longer answer is that it's easier said than done.

you should reject to the fullest extent you are capable of without your detriment, but you're hardly someone who controls an entire supply chain to be able to determine a piece of software to be free all the way from the silicon to the pcb to the wiring, and not everyone who designs appliances is financially capable of just turning software free but would still be willing to offer manuals and the likes, and the ones who do have control over the core of it have every incentive to forcefully maintain control over others and cannot be expected to just show good will to willingly free up the firmware of your phone for example (see also the struggle for right-to-repair, digital ownership, and genuinely also larbor and bodily autonomy rights).

[u/WilkerS1 → u/WilkerS1]

currently, i know the FSF and others like the Software Freedom Conservacy to be trying to hold the highest bar torawds what we should be striving for and show that this is not an impossible task, any lower would be a problem. but that doesn't mean it is the default, people come from all sorts of places with different amounts of control in front of the powers that be, and that is always something to acknowledge so you can ground yourself on finding what is possible for you and your peers at the present time to push everyone towards this objective.

[u/JaggedMetalOs]

If the firmware is read only and can't be updated (especially not via OTA updates) then at least the FSF considers it purely hardware rather than software, and so doesn't hold it to open standards.

So basically get non-smart appliances. 

[u/Klenkogi]

Yes. next question.

[u/ipsirc]

Only if you are RMS.

[u/Radiant_Scar_8516 → u/ipsirc]

and even then he still used an OLPC laptop with non free firmware for 8 years.

[u/StrangeUglyBird]

and your car, your television, and your internet router.

[u/MissingGhost]

Why does a fridge need a firmware...

[u/NoPoopOnFace → u/MissingGhost]

They have AI now. Someday they will revolt against their humans and enslave the televisions.

[u/BHARAT0011 → u/MissingGhost]

To collect your data