The discussion revolves around the implications of Microsoft's "Secure Boot" technology and its impact on user freedom and operating system choices. Participants express concerns about potential restrictions on booting unauthorized operating systems, particularly in the context of Linux and other alternatives. The conversation touches on themes of user rights, security, and the relationship between hardware manufacturers and software freedom.
Participants generally disagree on the implications of "Secure Boot." While some see it as a necessary security feature, others view it as a restriction on user freedom. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views presented.
Some participants express frustration over the perceived lack of options for users who wish to install alternative operating systems on machines designed primarily for Windows. There are also references to the potential for confusion and misinformation regarding the security of Linux compared to Windows.
Microsoft has announced that if computer makers wish to distribute machines with the Windows 8 compatibility logo, they will have to implement a measure called "Secure Boot." However, it is currently up for grabs whether this technology will live up to its name, or will instead earn the name Restricted Boot.
When done correctly, "Secure Boot" is designed to protect against malware by preventing computers from loading unauthorized binary programs when booting. In practice, this means that computers implementing it won't boot unauthorized operating systems -- including initially authorized systems that have been modified without being re-approved.
This could be a feature deserving of the name, as long as the user is able to authorize the programs she wants to use, so she can run free software written and modified by herself or people she trusts. However, we are concerned that Microsoft and hardware manufacturers will implement these boot restrictions in a way that will prevent users from booting anything other than Windows. In this case, we are better off calling the technology Restricted Boot, since such a requirement would be a disastrous restriction on computer users and not a security feature at all.
Please add your name to the following statement, to show computer manufacturers, governments, and Microsoft that you care about this freedom and will work to protect it...
Antiphon said:Allowing whole new os's to be booted-? Pay the fee if you want to play.
How odd - "she".This could be a feature deserving of the name, as long as the user is able to authorize the programs she wants to use, so she can run free software written and modified by herself or people she trusts.
dalcde said:Suppose you share a laptop. And the other person wants Windows. Very few laptops come with Linux pre-installed, so we probably want to buy a laptop with Windows and install Linux. But you can't. (OK, I know you can. But seriously. Changing BIOS settings? Not something I'd like to do to simply get linux boot)