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How Microsoft Can Lock Linux Off Windows 8 PCs

Posted by Soulskill on from the if-only-penguins-were-secure-enough dept.

Julie188 writes "Windows 8 PCs will use the next-generation booting specification known as Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). In fact, Windows 8 logo devices will be required to use the secure boot portion of the new spec. Secure UEFI is intended to thwart rootkit infections by using PKI authentication before allowing executables or drivers to be loaded onto the device. Problem is, unless the device manufacturer gives a key to the device owner, it can also be used to keep the PC's owner from wiping out the current OS and installing another option, such as Linux."

3 of 899 comments (clear)

  1. So this isn't down to Microsoft? by richy+freeway · · Score: 0, Troll

    If the hardware manufacturers don't give the key out, then it's their fault, not Microsofts. Needlessly inflammatory article IMO.

  2. Get over it! by gtirloni · · Score: 0, Troll

    99% of all desktop users don't give a crap about Linux running on their hardware. They want Windows and, if they want Mac OS X, they will buy Apple's hardware. But I heard this year is the year of Linux on the desktop, right? Right.

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  3. Re:This would be illegal in the EU by Microlith · · Score: 1, Troll

    Don't go questioning the arguments of the Apple lock-down defenders. You'll get shouted down.