[LinuxBIOS] flashrom on the host or target ?

[Corey Osgood]

Phani Babu Giddi wrote:
> Hello All,
>  
> I am trying to understand how to access the flash chip on
> the mainboard for the very first time. Most of the documentation on
> Linux BIOS talks about using "flashrom" but I am confused, are we
> suppose to use this on the target ( mainboard) or host. If its host
> are is there a way one can access the flash disk from the host, I have
> looked into the Hardware Tools that have been suggested for Linux BIOS
> but I could not find anything related to this. If flashrom utility is
> supposed to be used on the target, then how is that possible because
> there is no image on the flash device.
>  
> BIOS Saviour and other tools come into picuture if there is some thing
> already on the flash chip.
>  
> So am I suppose to select the payload as etherboot and then try
> flashing the device for the first time. Or else I am suppose to use an
> external programmer for this.
>  
> If we succeed in getting the BIOS with the payload into the flash
> device what about the root file system and partitions and any other
> info. The question might sound elementary to most of you but I would
> appreciate your help.
>  
> To summarize the question is about getting bare bones board up and
> running for the very first time.
>  
> Regards,
> Phani

It doesn't matter. As long as you have the chip that you intend to flash
in the system you run flashrom on, and use compatible hardware (both
with the chip and flashrom), then you can flash literally any image onto
any flash chip. It doesn't matter if the system you use to flash has
completely different hardware then the image's intended target.

-Corey

PS Happy new year, everyone!