Dell Linux Developers Implement TPM
Most Linux users think of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as digital rights management (DRM), i.e. software freedom prevention. However, TPM used in some Intel computer modules may have some useful functions.
Licensing a CPU core or DRM are foreign concepts in Linux. Recently, however, a few kernel developers have been looking at some of the more positive aspects of implementing TPM modules. We're therefore starting to see more device drivers for them in the kernel.
One useful function identified for TPM is pseudo-random number generation. As Fedora developer Matt Domsch indicates in his blog, he's been contacting the Linux team at Dell and recommending that they feed their TPM chip, common to Dell's PowerEdge 11G servers, into the Linux kernel's random number gathering daemon (rngd) tool. The rngd normally gets input to the entropy pool from mouse and keyboard activities, things that usually don't occur in server environments.
The Dell team has since taken the hint and written a patch for the rngd tool that derives the random number values from the TPM chip. Having a TPM-based system thus requires only enabling TPM support in the BIOS to get the sufficient random numbers. Meanwhile the patch is waiting to be picked up in the official rngd branch.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Digital Autonomy
• How the Fediverse Found Parts for Its Platforms
• The Answer Was Already on the Shelf
• Changing the Chip Industry: How Public Investment Has Grown Open Silicon
• United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
• EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
• France Says “Au Revoir” to Microsoft
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.
-
It’s Time to Test Fedora 45 Beta
Fedora 45 beta has been released with updated Gnome, KDE Plasma, and kernel.
-
Ubuntu Stonking Stingray Gets Even Rustier
Ubuntu 26.10 has completed its migration to the Rust-based coreutils.
Real Randoms