>>>I would like to hear your arguments on this and if there is a simple way to >>>disable fw_update and uninstall in >>>general everything propietary >>>affecting the network card that I have not been warned about.
>> If you're using a PC you should probably also be aware that >> there is likely to be bios-installed code which runs in system >> management mode behind the back of the OS, this is also >> proprietary and could also affect the network card and all >> other parts of the machine. Also some of the various management >> controllers you might find have pretty far-reaching capabilities >> in this respect. >If you have concerns with firmwares, swap your card with, for example, an >atheros or another card that doesn't need a firmware. Some atheros does use firmware, eg athn(4). You can use pf to block those network devices that have firmware you don't trust. Easiest way to disable the uvideo firmware (and any bios video spyware) is to stick black electrical tape over the webcam lens.
