Are the `Trusted Computing' Frequently Asked Questions a good start for you?
Unfortunately that is actually a terrible place to start. Ross Anderson is a well respected security researcher and has contributed to computer security greatly. (Security Engineering is a great book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.) Unfortunately his "FAQ" on trusted computing reeks of a knee jerk reaction. This *should* be obvious to anyone who reads it, since its incredibly light on actual facts about the TPM chip itself. He has since stated that he hadn't even fully investigated trusted computing at the time of writing the FAQ.
The EFF also has a more updated document on trusted computing, called Trusted Computing: Promise and Risk. As for Stallman's ideas... well, nevermind..;-)
However, there is also a market for systems WITHOUT these "trust" chips. And manufacturers will continue to provide systems without trust chips. If you don't want to buy a "trust" computer, don't. There will continue to be plenty of computers without this feature.
Good theory, but its doubtful that this will ever happen. Every model computer I've worked on that's had a TPM in it (4 or 5 now, all IBM machines) has had the BIOS option to disable. In fact, they've all shipped with the TPM *disabled*.
Slashdot Mirror
Yes, if you give it up, the TPM will allow you identify yourself to anyone who asks. The same applies to the computer you're using right now.
Hopefully not.. that's why I got it from /dev/random. ;-)
<wordfile>
<obfuscation>
Bj1mSC0u/6urolbn2TonoDN031NvKI6g5sOlXVJ8F2s24fUja
hfCEWGYPtdyv7ofqlLN2+
f+QqQ1HPV+ilaf2r4aGa/
ikDwEvijut1u9LSrghz7n
i0A0tcjWoDggf7aSwPVd7
E3SSpREgkgj9sEdBnKsqv
WwOqzy/WZMGSa6Ywk6sve
UAx6jsqOlUpZR7didvU+5
que3SaKvRQfitMfYjrLEa
wJ/6jU7LM4sr7Ixrt+ltO
0yGx+LAThrFtbuFNWs/1x
ZTweCL6M0WfMgc2qYsaQy
qarxStWI5dbav85H+DumE
spn9haF8863KDAUQ8IlHp
</obfuscation>
</wordfile>
Unfortunately that is actually a terrible place to start. Ross Anderson is a well respected security researcher and has contributed to computer security greatly. (Security Engineering is a great book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.) Unfortunately his "FAQ" on trusted computing reeks of a knee jerk reaction. This *should* be obvious to anyone who reads it, since its incredibly light on actual facts about the TPM chip itself. He has since stated that he hadn't even fully investigated trusted computing at the time of writing the FAQ.
The EFF also has a more updated document on trusted computing, called Trusted Computing: Promise and Risk. As for Stallman's ideas... well, nevermind.. ;-)
Good theory, but its doubtful that this will ever happen. Every model computer I've worked on that's had a TPM in it (4 or 5 now, all IBM machines) has had the BIOS option to disable. In fact, they've all shipped with the TPM *disabled*.
Here you go...
a in_TCG_Architecture_v1_1b.zip
p mwg-mainrev62_Part1_Design_Principles.pdf
p mwg-mainrev62_Part2_TPM_Structures.pdf
p mwg-mainrev62_Part3_Commands.pdf
For a TPM 1.1 compliant solution:
The TCG 1.1 Main specification:
https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/downloads/M
For a TPM 1.2 compliant solution:
Design Principles:
https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/downloads/t
Structures of the TPM:
https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/downloads/t
TPM commands:
https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/downloads/t
HELLO?
Is your refrigerator running?
WHAT?!?
Is your refrigerator running?
WHAT?!? YOU'LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP!
Oh nevermind.. *click*