Microsoft tries to block Linux off Windows 8 PCs

[Scott Sullivan]

On 09/30/2011 09:41 PM, Colin McGregor wrote:
> On Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 9:04 PM, Scott Sullivan<scott-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org>  wrote:
>> On 09/30/2011 04:24 PM, Michael Hill wrote:
>>> On Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 4:14 PM, Stephen<stephen-d-bJEeYj9oJeDQT0dZR+AlfA at public.gmane.org>    wrote:
>>>
>>>> So what will this do to motherboard sales?
>>>>
>>>> You build your own computer, you can only install windows????
>>> Only if you give Microsoft their cut... otherwise you can't install
>>> anything.
>>>
>>> Mike
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>> The UEFI is only meant for pre-installed Windows 8 (Logo Program, ie, you
>> build it and install this way, you can put the MS windows log on the case).
>> It's not in motherboard maker's interest to enable those security features
>> when selling bare boards. If the did, the would severely cut their market as
>> system builder would avoid it.
> Sigh, no. Windows 8 will not boot without UEFI and there is to be no
> way for the user to disable UEFI. In other words if the motherboard
> makers don't include UEFI they know they will loose the Windows market
> (ie: 90+% of their sales). This may suck to the system builders, but
> they are not going to sacrifice that big a share of their market...
> Again have a look at :
>
> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/09/21/secure_boot_firmware_linux_exclusion_fears/

Collin,

I've read the Articles, there is a difference between UEFI and UEFI + 
Key Signed Boot.

I already own UEFI motherboards, it's true that manufacturers are moving 
there. What I was pointing out is that it is not in the interest of the 
manufactures, when selling bare board at _retail_, to enable the Key 
Signed Boot. What form that will take depends, but options include a 
generic key or disabling the security features outright.

Also, when I refer to System Builder's, I mean small independent persons 
or shops, not OEMs like Dell, Lenovo or HP (well... not HP anymore).

As I've read and understand, Windows 8 will require UEFI. And for those 
wanting to be part of the Logo Program, part of that means for OEMs, is 
configuring UEFI with Key Signed Boot.

Personally, I agree with the concerns and that this needs to be 
addressed as the situation progresses. But there is a lot of play as to 
where the pendulum will finally end up.

One thing that I think will be interesting to watch is how the Chinese 
market reacts to this, or any other large market with a lot of Piracy in it.
-- 
Scott Sullivan
--
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