Microsoft Responds to Secure Boot Story, Doesn't Address Issue
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Fri 23rd Sep 2011 22:22 UTC, submitted by kragil
Windows The story about how secure boot for Windows 8, part of UEFI, will hinder the use of non-signed binaries and operating systems, like Linux, has registered at Redmond as well. The company posted about it on the Building Windows 8 blog - but didn't take any of the worries away. In fact, Red Hat's Matthew Garrett, who originally broke this story, has some more information - worst of which is that Red Hat has received confirmation from hardware vendors that some of them will not allow you to disable secure boot.
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shotsman
Member since:
2005-07-22

The existing method at least allows the system to boot. If they revoke the boot keys, you are totally stuffed. you can't do anything with your PC. Then if they disable switching off the UEFI bits that PC which you have spent a load of money on is just scrap.

There are moved by the EU to stop vehicle owners from doing any work on their Cars,Trucks or Motorcycles. This included things like changing the plugs. I was at a Demo today to protest about these proposals.
IT is not all that far fetched to move this to PC's. Imagine the era of the sealed box pc. You are not allowed to swap the HDD or add RAM. I don't mean making it difficult (like some All-in-1's) but not allowed by LAW.
This is the sort of world that would suit Microsoft perfectly.

Reply Parent Score: 3

BluenoseJake Member since:
2005-08-11

MS wouldn't do that, they would be smothered under the mass of antitrust actions that every government in the world would bring to bear. They can mess with the OS, because it's licensed, not bought, but they can't mess with the hardware.

They wouldn't be that stupid.

Reply Parent Score: 2