Microsoft trying to prevent you installing linux - sign the petition now!

[valid]

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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.

Stand up for your freedom to install free software!

Stand up for your freedom to install free software — Free Software Foundation — working together for free software

[kulas24]

I duno.. if you don't want it.. then don't use windows. hehehe. go for open source.

[burikoy12]

Maayo unta'g masticky ni.

[Sk!p]

Why worry we just need to look for those machines that don't have this shiny M$ logo on it.. and if you really need to have this windows, then go ahead and vbox it.. I don't see a problem with that..

Nonetheless, I think manufacturers has a work around for this issue to balance the market and protect their profits. Probably, they will release 2 hardware versions with a slight difference and only send 1 machine for M$ certification...

[Metz]

if Im not mistaken, this is designed to protect the "general" public.
so it shouldn't be too much of a problem for linux users.

[nzo]

hahaha... aside from trying to protect the "general" public, gi protect sad nila ila ang business aspect sa Microsoft...

[Metz]

let's face it, majority of Windows users won't switch to Linux kay tapulan magtuon ug new OS.
Linux will always be a niche until moabot ang day naay mohimo ug mas easy pa sa Windows nga interface where even first time computer users can take advantage of it.
Until then, MS will also make sure to protect its interests.

[defender_1611]

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.

Stand up for your freedom to install free software!

Stand up for your freedom to install free software — Free Software Foundation — working together for free software

nag sunud2x na pod di ay ni sila sa style sa APPLE?