Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 21st Sep 2011 22:06 UTC, submitted by kragil
After the walled garden coming to the desktop operating system world, we're currently witnessing another potential nail in the coffin of the relatively open world of desktop and laptop computing. Microsoft has revealed [.pptx] that as part of its Windows 8 logo program, OEMs must implement UEFI secure boot. This could potentially complicate the installation of other operating systems, like Windows 7, XP, and Linux.
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2005-11-16
Hi,
Whether or not it's anti-user depends on who has the keys.
If the owner of the computer (e.g. the end-user) has full control over which keys are installed, then it's a "pro-user" feature as it allows them to run any OS they like while also making it hard for things like boot-time rootkits and viruses; and may possibly even help to prevent theft (e.g. if your laptop gets stolen, then maybe nobody will be able to access your data without your password; even if they attempt to replace the OS). This is the best case scenario - a scenario where (for e.g.) Linux could also use secure boot to benefit the end user.
If the owner of the computer (e.g. the end-user) doesn't have any control over which OSs are allowed and which aren't, then it's anti-user (and I'll be boycotting and recommending everyone else does too).
It's worth pointing out that "UEFI Secure Boot" could be used either way - to benefit the owner/user, or in spite of the owner/user. I'm hoping it will be used in a good way (e.g. to avoid the need for a layer of "DeepSAFE" McAfee bloat) and not in a bad way.
- Brendan