Samsung Series 9 Tianocore or other open-source UEFI replacement?

ParanoidAndroid · 2013-11-08 23:35:18

I've looked at OpenBIOS and other such projects for my old, BIOS-based computer. I never implemented them because I was too chicken. I now have a Samsung Series 9 ultrabook, and I despise the UEFI setup that comes with it. It is flawed, refuses to boot UEFI-capable archlinux flash drives properly, and it uses Microsoft's secure-boot implementation. While I have gotten Archlinux to boot properly with UEFI support, I still hate the fact that I have minimal control over that aspect of my system, and I desire an open alternative.

To that end, I am wondering if there is any open-source UEFI implementation that I could flash to my ultrabook. I have heard of Tianocore, but I can't find the docs for it or flashing instructions, nor can I get a good explanation of how it works aside from the fact that it is open-source. I'm assuming it is based on a pure Intel implementation of UEFI, which would be preferable to this bastard implementation Samsung saddled me with. However, I am curious as to whether there is an implementation that could boot the linux initcpio image directly, without the need for grub, as some of the open-source BIOS implementations are wont to do. I think this is a fantastic idea and would like to use it, if it exists. If not, I'll settle for a pure UEFI implementation that doesn't reek of closed-source mentality.

My other question is the relative safety and feasability of replacing the firmware interface. I know there is always a risk of bricking your device when screwing with things at such a low level, and that concerns me. This is the computer I'm taking to college, and it cost me a pretty penny to get a hold of. I'd rather not turn it into a paperweight. I realize that Tianocore or anything similar would only brick the laptop if I flashed it incorrectly, but what concerns me is hardware-firmware incompatibility once flashed. It is possible that Samsung's UEFI implementation is modified to work with their hardware in some way, and I wanted to know if that is likely. Additionally, I would like to know if anything like this has been tried on a Samung series 9 before. Google has not been too forthcoming.

jasonwryan · 2013-11-08 23:56:18

Just a note about the Series 9 machines (typing on one at the moment); they were being bricked when first released by an inexplicable choice on Samsungs part. See Rod's comment in the relevant thread about changing out the firmware: https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php … 9#p1233679

The thread has some other posts by Rod that will either depress you or at least provide a better understanding of the challenge you face...

Arch Linux

#1 2013-11-08 23:35:18

Samsung Series 9 Tianocore or other open-source UEFI replacement?

#2 2013-11-08 23:56:18

Re: Samsung Series 9 Tianocore or other open-source UEFI replacement?

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