Microsoft's just following the plan that Apple and Google are following with iOS and Android. Why only take the fight to Microsoft?<br><div><br clear="all">--Cameron<a href="http://ghostfreeman.net" target="_blank"></a><br>
<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 9:58 AM, Charles Shapiro <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:hooterpincher@gmail.com" target="_blank">hooterpincher@gmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
Interesting. This has been percolating out for a whiles. What it<br>
means is that desktop linux users are pretty ok for now, but your<br>
chances of taking control of a whole class of other devices ( such as<br>
your tablet, cell phone or netbook ) just went down.<br>
<br>
What Microsoft really wants to do, I suspect, is to create two tiers<br>
of users -- desktop guys who are professionals and must be catered to,<br>
and ARM-based users, who are just tubes that consume content and<br>
squirt out money. A great plan for them. Maybe not so good for the<br>
rest of us.<br>
<br>
-- CHS<br>
<br>
---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>
From: Free Software Foundation <<a href="mailto:info@fsf.org" target="_blank">info@fsf.org</a>><br>
Date: Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 5:24 PM<br>
Subject: [FSF] Enter the Restricted Boot Webcomic Contest: Defend user<br>
freedom on tablets and smartphones<br>
To: Charles Shapiro <<a href="mailto:hooterpincher@gmail.com" target="_blank">hooterpincher@gmail.com</a>><br>
<br>
<br>
In December, Microsoft apparently conceded to public pressure by<br>
quietly updating the Windows 8 logo certification requirements with a<br>
mandate that a desktop computer user must be able to control (and<br>
disable) the Secure Boot feature on any Windows 8 computer that is not<br>
based on ARM technology. This looks like a victory for free software<br>
users, as it will allow a person to install GNU/Linux or other free<br>
software operating system in place of Windows 8.<br>
<br>
But, this is no time for celebration, because Microsoft has also added<br>
a treacherous mandate for makers of ARM-based computers — such as a<br>
tablets, netbooks, and smartphones — requiring them to build their<br>
machines with Restricted Boot technology. Such computers are designed<br>
to lock a user into only being able to run Windows 8, absolutely<br>
preventing her from being able to install a free software operating<br>
system on her computer. Since smartphones and tablets are some of the<br>
most commonly used computers, it's vital that we get straightforward<br>
and clear information about this threat out to the public.<br>
<br>
Already know what this is about? Then take action now:<br>
<br>
Raise awareness and have fun while putting pressure on Microsoft and<br>
computer makers by entering the Restricted Boot Webcomic Contest.<br>
<br>
Winning submissions will be featured on the front page of <a href="http://fsf.org" target="_blank">fsf.org</a> for a month.<br>
Entries must be submitted by March 17th by emailing <a href="mailto:campaigns@fsf.org" target="_blank">campaigns@fsf.org</a>.<br>
<br>
Sign the statement "Stand up for your freedom to install free software."<br>
<br>
For individuals<br>
For organizations and corporations<br>
<br>
If this is the first you're hearing about this whole Restricted Boot<br>
vs. Secure Boot business, read the full story.<br>
<br>
You can support this campaign and the rest of the FSF's work by<br>
joining as a member or making a donation today.<br>
<br>
Sincerely,<br>
<br>
Josh, John, Matt, and Richard<br>
Free Software Foundation<br>
<br>
<br>
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