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

Thu Mar 1 11:09:43 EST 2012

>Jim Kinney said
>Microsoft is trying to force ALL ARM products to comply with Microsoft
trusted boot version whether the product was designed to run android, iOS
or win8.
>It's a push to beat back android and apple and it puts Linux users in the
middle of the crossfire.

That's a dick move and I support the FSF's effort to crush it, but there
are already vendors of ARM IP that focus on one or the other kind of
platform to support. There shouldn't be a secure boot that can't be
disabled, that I agree with.

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

On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 10:56 AM, Jim Kinney <jim.kinney at gmail.com> wrote:

> Microsoft is a bit different than the other two both in business form and
> function.
>
> Apple makes their stuff (under contract, OK) and has top to bottom control
> of what gets their code loaded onto it. I agree that hardware owners should
> be able to do with their stuff as they please but Apple isn't trying to
> push their restriction on the entirety of chip makers that their products
> use.
>
> Google makes a software platform and hardware makers add/remove bits to
> suit their greeds on the android devices they sell. Google is not forcing
> users to 'use this code or die' but plenty of the hardware makers and phone
> vendors are trying to do just that. (Kudos to HTC who is making all their
> phone rootable).
>
> Microsoft is trying to force ALL ARM products to comply with Microsoft
> trusted boot version whether the product was designed to run android, iOS
> or win8.
>  It's a push to beat back android and apple and it puts Linux users in the
> middle of the crossfire.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 10:18 AM, Cameron Kilgore <ghostfreeman at gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> 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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>>>
>>> Sent from the Free Software Foundation,
>>>
>>> 51 Franklin Street
>>> Fifth Floor
>>> Boston, MA 02110-1335
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>
>
> --
> --
> James P. Kinney III
>
> As long as the general population is passive, apathetic, diverted to
> consumerism or hatred of the vulnerable, then the powerful can do as they
> please, and those who survive will be left to contemplate the outcome.
> - *2011 Noam Chomsky
>
> http://heretothereideas.blogspot.com/
> *
>
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