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Linux Foundation Offers Solution for UEFI Secure Boot
Ever since news broke last year that Microsoft would require Windows 8 machines to have UEFI secure boot enabled, there were concerns that it would be used to block the installation of other operating systems, such as Linux distributions. Now, reader dgharmon sends this quote from Ars Technica about a new defense against that outcome:
"The Linux Foundation has announced plans to provide a general purpose solution suitable for use by Linux and other non-Microsoft operating systems. The group has produced a minimal bootloader that won't boot any operating system directly. Instead, it will transfer control to any other bootloader — signed or unsigned — so that can boot an operating system."
The announcement adds, "The pre-bootloader will employ a 'present user'; test to ensure that it cannot be used as a vector for any type of UEFI malware to target secure systems. This pre-bootloader can be used either to boot a CD/DVD installer or LiveCD distribution or even boot an installed operating system in secure mode for any distribution that chooses to use it."
You target MS before Apple? That's like shooting at a vicious pomeranian nipping at your heels while a wolf is leaping for your throat.
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
When I turn on my PC, it will boot the pre-boot loader, which will then boot grub, which will then boot my initrd which will finally boot Linux. Can we put any more steps in there?
Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
That's ridiculous.. they're both wolves, just one is in really sexy sheeps clothing.
No true Scottsman jokes about sheep.
I only look human.
My mother is a halfling and my dad is an ogre, so that makes me an Ogreling
I'm Scottish, and it's written Scotsman/Scots by the way.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand; I have to say that I don't know what you're talking about. I'd say that at least 80% of sheep aren't that sexually attractive.
which is totally what she said
Become a Linux user?
Creationist Textbook Stickers Declared Unconstitutional by CowboyNeal
Perhaps the real question here is why do people continue with Windows, when there are other options that have better general security?
Because in its current state Windows is secure enough. And after that, the other features matter more (all software and hardware works, it came preinstalled, etc).
Malware getting in the boot process... So we're creating a system of immense complexity, incompatibilities, which creates an all out shitstorm in the IT world, all to target that 0.001% of malware that actually infects the boot process? What popular malware has done this?
Is it even a credible threat?
Don't forget to visit the TSA website and drop in a few dollars in the donation form while you're at it.
"system error: secure keyboard not found. hit any key to continue."
(that was sort of a real error message back in the DOS days. all except the secure part.)
--
"It is now safe to switch off your computer."