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

[Cameron Kilgore]

Microsoft's just following the plan that Apple and Google are following
with iOS and Android. Why only take the fight to Microsoft?

--Cameron <http://ghostfreeman.net>


On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 9:58 AM, Charles Shapiro <hooterpincher at gmail.com>wrote:

> 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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