Microsoft Forces OEMs To Lock Devices Into Windows 8 Using UEFI
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Fri 13th Jan 2012 16:20 UTC, submitted by moondevil
Windows And so the war on general computing continues. Were you looking forward to ARM laptops and maybe even desktops now that Windows 8 will also be released for ARM? I personally was, because I'd much rather have a thin, but fast and economical machine than a beastly Intel PC. Sadly, it turns out that all our fears regarding UEFI's Secure Boot feature were justified: Microsoft prohibits OEMs from allowing you to install anything other than Windows 8 on ARM devices (the Software Freedom Law Center has more).
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RE[6]: Comment by ilovebeer
by ilovebeer on Mon 16th Jan 2012 08:13 UTC in reply to "RE[5]: Comment by ilovebeer"
ilovebeer
Member since:
2011-08-08

If windows 8 ARM devices are a market flop, then the damage caused by them being locked will be relatively minor. If windows 8 devices dominate the market, then the proliferation of the OS restricted mainboards would be devastating to the cause of open computing.

If that becomes true at some point in the future, it will only affect those who willingly purchase DFW8 systems with the intent of using a non-Windows 8 operating system. My only words for such individuals would be to suggest they do their homework first next time and try to make smarter purchasing decisions that better suit their needs.

Now, I know you disagree vehemently with the cause of open computing, however you should still recognize that the above paragraph is true. So, on the assumption that windows 8 will be successful, then we do have cause to be concerned.

You have no idea what my views on open computing are as I've never discussed it. This is identical to your idea of what my idea of ethics are. Again, a topic I haven't discussed my views on. So far you haven't made a single assumption about my views that is correct. Maybe it's time you stop pretending you know some much about them when in fact you know next to nothing.

Regarding the success of Windows 8... The only people who may have concern are those I described above, and they are in the extreme minority. I've heard your same or similar argument time & time again over the years and one thing has always held true -- the sky has never fallen.

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