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Comment by geerlingguy | Hacker News Reader

I've just set up my first OPNsense box (using one of the 4-port 2.5 gig AliExpress tiny PCs recommended by ServeTheHome) and like it a lot.

A few rough edges in the UI, but I got the basic routing functionality running within minutes, and got Wireguard going with the help of a guide from Home Network Guy pretty soon after.

Since then I've bought a second box and will be setting it up soon, too!

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Do those boxes ever get bios updates?

It’s something tech influencers should mention more often

I got a Protectli one; bit overpriced but they provide instructions to compile Coreboot.

They don't just give you a fish, they teach you to fish, then it's in your hands.

I personally use a router box from teklager.se and they use open source schematics and bios which are actually updated. Without having done a comparison I am assuming they are a more expensive option though. It has been small, silent and stable since I bought it pre-installed with OPNSense though, so I am happy with it.

Why would you want BIOS updates? It’s not like firmware degrades over time. Frequency of zero day RCE fixes should not be taken as indication of better security.

all software has bugs, most of them get found over time.

no updates, means you are sure to collect known deficiencies.

> Frequency of zero day RCE fixes should not be taken as indication of better security.

true, but lacking an alternative metric, it's at least helpful to gauge the willingness to not ignore problems.

Could you link to the box that STH recommends? I find navigating their site to be a bit of a chore.

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