Updating system BIOS when running Ubuntu

[Matt Domsch]

I've published firmware-tools deb packages, and the latest system BIOS
images for 223 Dell system types, into a new repository on
linux.dell.com.  Please see
  http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Repository/firmware
for instructions in how to use them.  In a nutshell, for Ubuntu
systems with Feisty, Gutsy, or Hardy, be sure the Universe section is
enabled in /etc/apt/sources.list, then run as root:

  wget -q -O - http://linux.dell.com/repo/firmware/bootstrap.cgi | bash
  aptitude install firmware-addon-dell
  aptitude install $(bootstrap_firmware -a)
  update_firmware

The bootstrap command downloads a GPG key for use in validating the
linux.dell.com repository, and sets up the dell-firmware and
dell-software sections for use by apt.

A reboot is required for the flash to actually happen.


There are two packages needed for this which are currently under
review by the MOTU team.  They can be found at:
  http://revu.tauware.de/details.py?package=firmware-tools
  http://revu.tauware.de/details.py?package=firmware-addon-dell


We have had this service available for quite a while for several
RPM-based distributions.  We're pleased to be able to bring this to
the dpkg-based distributions now as well.

Thanks,
Matt

-- 
Matt Domsch
Linux Technology Strategist, Dell Office of the CTO
linux.dell.com & www.dell.com/linux