CURRENT VERSION:

Name:           dellbiosupdate.sh
Version:        0.1.2.1
Date:           Mon, Mar 30 2009
Author:         Callea Gaetano Andrea (aka cga)
Contributors:
Languages:      BASH
Location:       http://github.com/cga/dellbiosupdate.sh/tree/master

NOTE: See VERSION_HISTORY for info on Version History and TODO

LICENCE:

This script is Free Software, it's licensed under the GPLv3 and has ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY
you can find and read the complete version of the GPLv3 @ http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html

NOTE: A LICENCE file containing a verbatim copy of the GPLv3 is included in this package.

FAQ:

Q: what does this script do?
A: this script updates the BIOS of any DELL computer as long as it's supported by dellBiosUpdate. interactively.

Q: does it actually work??
A: it works 100%, i use it regularly to update the BIOS of my own DELL XPS M1330.

Q: does it work for *any* DELL computer?
A: well yes, as long as they have DELL's RBU technology; for more info see:
   http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Oss/Firmware_Tools  and
   http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Oss/Firmware_Tools/Systems_Missing_RBU

Q: where did you get the process??
A: the script is based on the orginal DELL procedure howto:
   http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Tech/libsmbios_dellBiosUpdate

Q: which tools does it use?
A: It uses official DELL tools included in package "libsmbios" available for most distro.
   http://linux.dell.com/libsmbios/main/index.html ; see also firmware tools:
   http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Oss/Firmware_Tools

Q: why did you write this script??
A: basically i was tired of doing a repetitive task by hand.

Q: can i trust this script?
A: if you don't trust this script just see for yourself what the tools do:
   http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Tech/libsmbios_dellBiosUpdate
   http://linux.dell.com/libsmbios/main/index.html
   http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Oss/Firmware_Tools

Q: why do i have to run this script as root?
A: because updating the BIOS requires root privileges since libsmbios has to be run as root.
   NOTE: you'd run the process as root even following the DELL procedure by hand.

Q: can i use this script to check if new BIOS Versions are availble?
A: yes, since version 0.1.1 ;)

Q: how do i do that??
A: just run the script and see if the selection has a new version, else quit.

Q: do you have any plans for the future of this script???
A: yes. i want to code it better and add features.

Q: can i help somewhow??
A: yes indeed. help (especially test and feedback) and ideas are welcome =)

Q: great!! can i contact you??
A: for any suggestions and contributions contact cga @ 
   callea (dot) gaetano (dot) andrea (at) gmail (dot) com

Q: can i reuse the script to make my own??
A: hey this is Free Software!! you can do whatever the licence i chose allows you to.
   NOTE: AS LONG AS YOU RESPECT THE LICENCE ITSELF of course ;)

Q: can i reuse the idea to make an application??
A: we are already going to make an application, at the moment it's just a concept and you can find it here:
   http://github.com/cga/qtbiosupdate/tree/master

Q: can i join "QtBiosUpdate" development??
A: there's no development at the moment, we're still planning. you are more than welcome to join even at this early stage.

Q: once the applications will exist and work, will this script be still available??
A: yes, we plan to make the application but the script will remain available for 
   people using CLI only distros and for those who don't want to install the application.

Q: will the script work for any other vendors in the future?
A: nope. this script is for DELL only. you will be able to use "QtBiosUpdate" for that, one day.

USELESS FAQs (aka teh phun c0rner :P)

Q: which kind of music do you listen to when you code?
A: generally i fire up lastfm and select psytrance.

Q: psytrance??? -.-
A: indeed, it is not my usual cup of tea but hey... it rocks when you code.

Q: do you think that "developers developers developers" is the mantra of the new millenium?
A: well AFAIK that could be the mantra of the millennium bug. 


100!!!!! (i know... i'm stupid. but this is in the USELESS section)