For "knowledgeable people"

[Emrion]

I was thinking about sysutils/loaders-update these days. And precisely how very knowledgeable people explaining why such a thing isn't wanted.

Reference: https://forums.freebsd.org/threads/updating-bootcode.88875/

I read again all the thread and saw (again) that almost all the arguments against were wrong.
My observation was: there is a need, and this one can be fulfilled, at least partially.

It was the same concerning the problem with the kernel modules at each minor version upgrade.
Some people said: there is no problem, just compile! But, the FreeBSD staff resolved it.

There is always a trouble concerning the update of the loaders. I don't blame the FreeBSD staff because one of their priorities is the stability of the system. They will take the time needed. And, for now, I saw some huge improvements in the documentation on this subject.

But... "knowledgeable people", please think twice before to disparage an idea.

 

[mer]

Updating loaders is one of those tasks that in theory should be simple, just "follow the instructions/handbook". But it's also a simple task that if you get it wrong you wind up with an unbootable system.

So what does a competent sys admin typically do in a situation like that? Script the heck out of, verify the script and once verified correct, use the script to prevent mistakes and then share the script with others.

That does not mean others have to use it or even like it, but taking the time to actually write the script means at least one person felt a need.

 

[Nandor]

I was thinking about sysutils/loaders-update these days. And precisely how very knowledgeable people explaining why such a thing isn't wanted.

Reference: https://forums.freebsd.org/threads/updating-bootcode.88875/

I read again all the thread and saw (again) that almost all the arguments against were wrong.
My observation was: there is a need, and this one can be fulfilled, at least partially.

It was the same concerning the problem with the kernel modules at each minor version upgrade.
Some people said: there is no problem, just compile! But, the FreeBSD staff resolved it.

There is always a trouble concerning the update of the loaders. I don't blame the FreeBSD staff because one of their priorities is the stability of the system. They will take the time needed. And, for now, I saw some huge improvements in the documentation on this subject.

But... "knowledgeable people", please think twice before to disparage an idea.

Ha! Finally, a chance to thank you for that handy tool. You've completely won me over with it.

Plus, it's saved me a lot of time and hassle.


And much more...


Thank you!

Nandor

 

[Emrion]

Updating loaders is one of those tasks that in theory should be simple, just "follow the instructions/handbook". But it's also a simple task that if you get it wrong you wind up with an unbootable system.

So what does a competent sys admin typically do in a situation like that? Script the heck out of, verify the script and once verified correct, use the script to prevent mistakes and then share the script with others.

That does not mean others have to use it or even like it, but taking the time to actually write the script means at least one person felt a need.

I get your point. No one is obliged to use loaders-update and when - because it will happen - the FreeBSD upgrade will update the loaders, I hope it will ask confirmation for this task. The admin user will make the final choice.

The point of this thread isn't technical. It's about tolerance of what it seems weird ideas.

I mean, maybe a person that knows well the thing doesn't need it, but what about other people? Each one that quits using FreeBSD is one less contributor. I think that update of the loaders is a cause, there are another, many.