A little more from the Windows 8 Secure Boot Front

An article on PCWorld seems to have a little more information concerning the Windows 8 Secure Boot feature.  A feature that may have the potential to prevent user's from installing alternative operating systems like Linux or even older versions of Windows.  And it seems like Microsoft may be leaving some of the decision in the hands of the computer manufacturers as to whether or not their products may have the ability to disable the UEFI key and Secure Boot features. 

Secure Boot seems to stem from a good hearted origin; it was put in place to prevent malware from being able to manipulate boot options.  However, I can't help but feel like there are other reasons involved.  Maybe to counter act those who are using non-genuine copies of Windows?  Or to ensure that their operating system will not be replaced?  Both seem to be the byproducts of Secure Boot.  Regardless, if these features are implemented in the final release of Windows 8 (and it's release is still well enough out there); I can imagine someone out there will find a way to circumvent this. 

When it comes down to it, the whole scenario feels like the freedom of your hardware is starting to drift away more than it ever has before.  I say as long as the OS is genuine leave us alone.

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Mircosoft Pushing to Lock Down Secure Booting in Windows 8

Microsoft is no doubt taking some heat today.  After announcing this weekend that they are pushing for a secure boot feature to be enabled with Windows 8.  What does this mean?  It means user's wouldn't have the option of installing alternate operating systems on the same hard drive.  In short speak, no more Linux installs/dual boots.

I will be the first to go on record at this site and say if that is the case, I'll not be upgrading.  I know Microsoft has an audience of customers who only want to use their computer for basic computing everyday.  Who only surf the web, handle business and banking and call it a day.  However, there is also a huge audience of people who don't want to be locked down.  I am one of these users.

I believe that every computer owner/user should have the right to choose how and what they do with their hardware.  After all, if you buy a car from Ford and decide to overhall it a year later.  Does Ford stick their nose in your business and tell you not to do it?  Nope.  Why?  Because they have made their money and it's none of their freakin' business.  Simple as that.

The same should be applied to Microsoft.  So what is the deal?  Microsoft's push is to force all alternative operating systems to include a secure key that would allow it to be compatible with future booting routines.  This is part of the UEFI (United Extensible Firmware Interface).  And is a load of crap.  If you actually do some digging, you'll find out that they are requiring the same thing with their previous operating systems.

Want to dual-boot Windows XP Pro with Windows 8?  Only if you have the UEFI key.  I'm sure for Microsoft's legacy Operating Systems that will not be such a difficult task as they will no doubt make it available for those who need it.  But I'm sure they will not be as open to Linux users.

So far from what I have read and seen concerning Windows 8, I am not impressed.  Granted, I haven't checked out the Windows 8 Developer Preview yet.  But at this point, I may be planning on migrating straight to Linux if it gets to this point.  Sorry Microsoft, it's been a good run.

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