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This just made me realise that these chargers are probably not running on Free Software. Is it possible to update their firmware? I.e., is there an equivalent

by cnst 7y ago

This just made me realise that these chargers are probably not running on Free Software. Is it possible to update their firmware? I.e., is there an equivalent of an "update firmware" button anywhere? If so, Richard Stallman would not approve of using these non-free chargers. We should not even mention them, lest anyone would think it's acceptable to use them for anything.

pinewurst 7y ago
Neither do pacemakers. God forbid RMS ever needs an arrhythmia corrected...
- cnst 7y ago
  But is updating the firmware a normal function of pacemakers? He makes a distinction on the update-firmware level — if the microwave has no such functionality, then he does not consider it a computer. Look for "microwave" at http://stallman.org/stallman-computing.html http://stallman.org/stallman-computing.html: > As for microwave ovens and other appliances, if updating software is not a normal part of use of the device, then it is not a computer. In that case, I think the user need not take cognizance of whether the device contains a processor and software, or is built some other way. However, if it has an "update firmware" button, that means installing different software is a normal part of use, so it is a computer.
  - pbhjpbhj 7y ago
    I've a friend who has a pacemaker, who went in to hospital for what he reported as a firmware update.
  - Spooky23 7y ago
    I think so. A relative has a similar device with remote monitoring, and it had to be re-swizzled when they switched services.
- tinus_hn 7y ago
  Neither do AEDs which are becoming increasingly connected to the internet. What could possibly go wrong?