How Microsoft Can Lock Linux Off Windows 8 PCs

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."

Comments

Re:What an over sensationalist title

[GameboyRMH]

Also I've been suspecting this for a while now, but I'm now sure enough to call it - you're a shill for Microsoft. You mostly spew hate at their competitors, doing "negative marketing" rather than "positive marketing," but I'm sure of it now.

So this isn't down to Microsoft?

[richy freeway]

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

Re:What an over sensationalist title

[GameboyRMH]

There you go again. You know the post history feature is working again and everybody can see it. The fact that the feature was broken until recently is what kept you in the suspicion zone.

The better shills at least make a meaningful number of posts not related to shilling.

Get over it!

[gtirloni]

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.

Re:This would be illegal in the EU

[Microlith]

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