** Description changed: + -- initramfs-tools + + [Impact] + + * linux supports xz compressed linux-firmware which saves disk space. + In focal, initramfs-tools only knows how to included uncompressed + firmware files (even when kernel supports loading compressed ones). + Newer releases of linux-firmware may use compressed firmware files only, + in such cases it would be nice for focal's initramfs-tools to support + compressed firmware files in case of partial or incomplete upgrades + (i.e. linux-firmware force installed or upgraded, without newer + initramfs-tools). The proposed changes to initramfs-tools are backwards + and forwards compatible, they prefer to include uncompressed firmware + files; and if missing, include compressed firmware files in their + uncompressed form. Thus maintaining compatibility with any kernels, + irrespective of compressed/uncompressed firmware inputs. + + [Test Plan] + + * Compress all files shipped by linux-firmware with xz + + * Rebuild initrd + + * Check that all the same firmware files are still included in the + initramfs, in their uncompressed form as before + + [Where problems could occur] + + * This SRU is precautionary to prevent accidental installation of + compressed linux-firmware from generating incorrect initramfs. It should + be noted that whilst initramfs-tools would create a compatible initramfs + with any kernels, pre-v5.3 kernels do not support xz compressed firmware + files at runtime. Mixing this new initramfs with compressed firmwares + and pre 5.3 kernels may lead to expectations of supporting compressed + firmware files with them only working at initrd stage and not at + runtime. + + [Other Info] + Original bug report + Some facts: - - The linux kernel has supported loading xz compressed firmware since 5.3 - - The size of /lib/firmware in impish is ~650Mb (and growing) - - The compressed size of firmware could be ~230Mb + - The linux kernel has supported loading xz compressed firmware since 5.3 + - The size of /lib/firmware in impish is ~650Mb (and growing) + - The compressed size of firmware could be ~230Mb It would be nice to install compressed firmware to save space. Here are the plans from the Fedora project: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Changes/CompressKernelFirmware
-- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1942260 Title: compress firmware in /lib/firmware To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/initramfs-tools/+bug/1942260/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
