Toshiba Satellite BIOS update v1.9 vs v5.0

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Does anyone know what general change was made in the BIOS update to enable Win8 to be installed on Satellite laptops?

1) Does it have anything to do with 16bit vs 32bit BIOS code?
2) Would it kill my Debian 7 install?
3) More importantly, would I get a speed increase?

 

[DevynCJohnson]

It largely depends on what was changed in the BIOS. I am not familiar with this BIOS update.

Most likely, speed will not be enhanced. Debian should install.

 

[|)/-\|)]

It largely depends on what was changed in the BIOS. I am not familiar with this BIOS update.

Most likely, speed will not be enhanced. Debian should install.

Yes, I don't think I'm going to find a specific answer on this. Has to be a somewhat major change because the way the change log reads, enabling Win8 will break Win7 unless you go back (v1.9 BIOS). and Win8 won't install unless you use v5.0 BIOS update.

Very suspicious, maybe insidious. I wonder how this will affect future BIOS's from all manufacturers. I'm not in a position to chance being down long enough to test it now, but knowing how things have gone in the business since 1980 I'm slightly worried that I may have to buy new hardware down the road (when I'm 70?).

Or worse, what if I'm missing a magic fix-all that gives me unlimited everything!?