If we want to have computing freedom, we're going to need computers that are safe and don't lock us out. Having actually well designed architectures (x86 sure ain't it) would be nice too. RISC-V is a beam of hope: riscv.org/

- India is making progress on fabb'ing their own RISC-V chips fossbytes.com/linux-on-shakti-
- FOSDEM video on RISC-V fosdem.org/2018/schedule/event

Got other interesting RISC-V links?

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@cwebber In what way would you expect a RISC-V to actually improve user experience.

I dont think ive ever been "locked out" of my computer because of my choice of cpu...

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@freemo

- No consumer wants Intel ME (or AMD's equiv) low-level spyware, but except that Intel won't remove it because IIUC it's key to Intel's team-up with Hollywood's DRM stuff.
- Hardware bugs end up being system-wide bugs. See Meltdown, Spectre, but there are others too. Users have no control over fixing that stuff. There's no community opportunity to even *audit* it.
- We're moving into an era increasingly where it's very hard to install FOSS software on devices.

@cwebber All valid points. What does RISC-V do to address these issues. Just make it open source basically (a huge step in its own right).

@cwebber Awesome. I'm an EE and a CE. Just havent had time to catch up on the RISC-V stuff. So this is right up my ally. Thanks for the info.

@cwebber @freemo Another point might be the boring aspect of price, as e.g. with Intel CPUs you pay for a one-size-fits-all package despite often not needing e.g. the integrated GPU
@cwebber @freemo I think the last point is right, and so that's why we should support open hardware projects, especially for things like laptops.

@bob @cwebber Im all for open source/hardware. That decision alone tends to solve many problems.

@cwebber @freemo

> We're moving into an era increasingly where it's very hard to install FOSS software on devices

ME is undesireable, but it doesn't prevent you from installing your libre os of choice. hell, i even have OPTIONS when it comes to which Android device i want to flash with LineageOS or CopperheadOS. people flip out about SecureBoot, but none of the supposed threats ever materialized. all of my hardware even lets me enroll my own keys.

i do agree that more open hardware is better, but the tired FSF approach of screaming about how doomed we are isn't productive imo.

@cwebber @freemo

- We're moving into an era increasingly where it's very hard to install FOSS software on devices.

Which is why System76, Purism, etc are so vital.

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