Is it safe to flash bios update on Ubuntu 11.10

floppyjoe · 12-07-2011, 12:36 PM

Ubuntu is unable to control my cpu cooling fan, I have seen on various linux forums that Ubuntu has problems, in this area.
Would it be safe to update the bios using the iso file from Acer. they seem to say that I should have Vista loaded to allow the update.
my system is single boot Ubuntu,as I have not used Windoze for years.
I'm using an Acer 5715z dual core 2gb ram 160Hd.

floppyjoe · 12-07-2011, 01:30 PM

Solved I have just updated my new installation of Ubuntu 11.10 low and behold the fan has gone mental, my laptop is cool as a cucumber.glad I don't have to Flash my bios.

jefro · 12-07-2011, 03:28 PM

I'd say you should only flash a bios if the erratta exactly states ..."ubuntu fan now works"

Flashing bios is never used as a guessing tool. OK, all sorts of people do it and when it breaks it really breaks.

elliott678 · 12-07-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

Flashing bios is never used as a guessing tool. OK, all sorts of people do it and when it breaks it really breaks.

Downgrading a BIOS to remove a problem the new one introduced is not as easy as upgrading either, so you really have to commit to the new one. If something happens to go wrong when downgrading, which is very possible since it usually involves workarounds like edited BIOS images or experimental tools, then it is really not fun.

Soldered a new BIOS chip into my EeePC 700 2G Surf a while back after a failed downgrade to re-enable a feature they removed. Luckily I was able to request a chip burned with the BIOS I wanted.

jefro · 12-08-2011, 05:39 PM

Good point about downleveling a bios.