Windows Vista x64 To Require Signed Drivers

Anonymous Coward writes "With little fanfare, Microsoft just announced that the x64 version of Windows Vista will require all kernel-mode code to be digitally signed. This is very different than the current WHQL program, where the user ultimately decides how they want to handle unsigned drivers. Vista driver developers must obtain a Publisher Identity Certificate (PIC) from Microsoft. Microsoft says they won't charge for it, but they require that you have a Class 3 Commercial Software Publisher Certificate from Verisign. This costs $500 [EUR 412] per year, and as the name implies, is only available to commercial entities."

Comments

Re:Something smells

[myfantasyromanc]

did you guys not read it! it says drivers!!!! not software drivers!!!!

Re:come on now wait a sec

[myfantasyromanc]

driver signing what does that have to do with software programming! Come on now you guys are just ms bashers

Re:The end of Installable File Systems?

[myfantasyromanc]

this does not effect average joe normal user who knows nothing of ext3 volumes. This will be a problem you have to deal with!