Free Software Foundation's Campaign to Stop Microsoft SecureBoot

[AB2T]

Recently there's been much talk in the GNU/free software community (i.e. Linux) and on blogs such as Slashdot about Microsoft's plans to require x86 PC manufacturers to install "SecureBoot" in UEFI (the encrypted successor to BIOS). In short, Microsoft will "lock in" Windows 8 on most new computer models through the requirement of a Microsoft-issued encryption key to boot the machine. Major Linux distributors such as Fedora and Ubuntu have proposed different models for getting around Microsoft's bootup encryption plans, but none so far allow for an easy and absolutely free way around a Microsoft controlled boot process.

The Free Software Foundation has written a whitepaper criticizing Microsoft's move. The FSF has also circulated a petition statement which openly rejects SecureBoot and Microsoft's use of bootloader encryption to restrict free software access.

Please consider reading the paper and signing the petition. Even if you use Windows only, think of the millions who use Linux on personal computers. Keep Microsoft or any software company from restricting a person's freedom to use his or her computer the way they wish.

73, Jordan

[K0RGR]

I can't imagine Microsoft has enough power to pull this one off, but if they do, it will be interesting. It might be the final death knell for Microsoft-based desktops. I know I won't buy any of them if this is the case. I am tempted to uproot Windows every other day and I want to be able to do that if I choose. There haven't been any 'killer' Windows apps for a long, long time. I don't need Windows to do what I do with a PC anymore. Some Windows releases are truly very bad, and they are due for another stinker. I will stay with Win 7 until something comes along that I actually need, or I will switch to a non-Microsoft OS.

[WF7A]

I need to be educated, Jordan, so please forgive me if I ask a stupid question: If LINUX is an independent OS from Windows how does SecureBoot affect it?

[AB2T]

I need to be educated, Jordan, so please forgive me if I ask a stupid question: If LINUX is an independent OS from Windows how does SecureBoot affect it?

It's okay. The issue breaks down like this. 98%+ of non-Mac PC's ship with some release of Windows. Microsoft abuses its near monopoly position to effectively coerce manufacturers to preinstall Windows on new machines (this has been going on since the early 1990's). Now Microsoft is taking their near-monopoly one step further with SecureBoot encryption. Linux distribution companies and users are reduced to essentially three options. Either users would have to buy a Microsoft encryption key to run Linux (Fedora's idea), a Linux distributor would write its own Microsoft-compatible keys under Microsoft's oversight and provide encryption keys to users (Ubuntu's idea), or users will hack bootloaders (what'll inevitably happen anyway). Hacking bootloaders comes with some legal issues and also requires advanced computer skills. FSF demands that Microsoft create a legal, easy, and free way to disable boot encryption.

The petition is also a stand against Microsoft's manipulation of computer manufacturers. Alternative OS users have paid the "Windows tax" for too long. Now, we're being forced to buy machines that won't run Linux without modification. Microsoft has taken their monopoly too far.

73, Jordan

[WF7A]

Thanks for taking the time to write all that. I'll be signing the petition directly. :)