LinuxLibre:MICROCODE
AMD microcode
- See Group:Hardware/ReverseEngineering#CPU_Microcode for more informations about workarounds and if you want to help making free microcode updates for the AMD K8 and K10 CPU families.
Intel microcode
The microcode data file contains the latest microcode definitions for all Intel processors. Intel releases microcode updates to correct processor behavior as documented in the respective processor specification updates. While the regular approach to getting this microcode update is via a BIOS upgrade, Intel realizes that this can be an administrative hassle. The Linux Operating System and VMware ESX products have a mechanism to update the microcode after booting. For example, this file will be used by the operating system mechanism if the file is placed in the /etc/firmware directory of the Linux system.
source: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18683&ProdId=2558&lang=eng
What is FSF official opinion on this type of firmware?
