[ale] Fwd: [FSF] Enter the Restricted Boot Webcomic Contest: Defend user freedom on tablets and smartphones

[Charles Shapiro]

Interesting.  This has been percolating out  for a whiles.  What it
means is that desktop linux users are pretty ok for now, but your
chances of taking control of a whole class of other devices ( such as
your tablet, cell phone or netbook ) just went down.

What Microsoft really wants to do, I suspect, is to create two tiers
of users -- desktop guys who are professionals and must be catered to,
and ARM-based users, who are just tubes that consume content and
squirt out money.  A great plan for them. Maybe not so good for the
rest of us.

-- CHS

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Free Software Foundation <info at fsf.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 5:24 PM
Subject: [FSF] Enter the Restricted Boot Webcomic Contest: Defend user
freedom on tablets and smartphones
To: Charles Shapiro <hooterpincher at gmail.com>


In December, Microsoft apparently conceded to public pressure by
quietly updating the Windows 8 logo certification requirements with a
mandate that a desktop computer user must be able to control (and
disable) the Secure Boot feature on any Windows 8 computer that is not
based on ARM technology. This looks like a victory for free software
users, as it will allow a person to install GNU/Linux or other free
software operating system in place of Windows 8.

But, this is no time for celebration, because Microsoft has also added
a treacherous mandate for makers of ARM-based computers — such as a
tablets, netbooks, and smartphones — requiring them to build their
machines with Restricted Boot technology. Such computers are designed
to lock a user into only being able to run Windows 8, absolutely
preventing her from being able to install a free software operating
system on her computer. Since smartphones and tablets are some of the
most commonly used computers, it's vital that we get straightforward
and clear information about this threat out to the public.

Already know what this is about? Then take action now:

Raise awareness and have fun while putting pressure on Microsoft and
computer makers by entering the Restricted Boot Webcomic Contest.

Winning submissions will be featured on the front page of fsf.org for a month.
Entries must be submitted by March 17th by emailing campaigns at fsf.org.

Sign the statement "Stand up for your freedom to install free software."

For individuals
For organizations and corporations

If this is the first you're hearing about this whole Restricted Boot
vs. Secure Boot business, read the full story.

You can support this campaign and the rest of the FSF's work by
joining as a member or making a donation today.

Sincerely,

Josh, John, Matt, and Richard
Free Software Foundation


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