Re: [libreoffice-marketing] MS plans to force OEMs to add boot feature that blocks use of Linux and free software.

On 19 October 2011 16:59, webmaster for Kracked Press Productions <
webmaster@krackedpress.com> wrote:

> Please read the linked article. [below]
>
> If Microsoft gets away with this, then no computer that has a Windows 8
> logo on it will not be able to boot from free OSs like Linux.  This will be
> part of the BIOS.  You might not be able to run free software like
> LibreOffice, if it goes to the extreme end.

I should think that is illegal under competition law.

To me, if MS get away with forcing OEMs to make it so their systems cannot
> run Linux, then it is another anti-trust violation for MS.  Billy boy is
> going back to court about unfair practices from the 90's, so if people do
> not step up now to convince OEMs that we will not buy their products if they
> implement the free OS and software blocker at the BOOT LEVEL, then we cannot
> buy any new computers for Linux.

We can buy new computers, just not those that come with Windows. Might even
be an advantage since there will be a niche market in supplying hardware
that is not restricted in that way.  I might start a new business :-)

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/**open-source/free-software-**
> foundation-urges-oems-to-say-**no-to-mandatory-windows-8-**
> uefi-cage/9770?alertspromo=&**tag=nl.rSINGLE<http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/free-software-foundation-urges-oems-to-say-no-to-mandatory-windows-8-uefi-cage/9770?alertspromo=&tag=nl.rSINGLE><
> http://www.zdnet.com/blog/**open-source/free-software-**
> foundation-urges-oems-to-say-**no-to-mandatory-windows-8-**
> uefi-cage/9770?alertspromo=&**tag=nl.rSINGLE<http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/free-software-foundation-urges-oems-to-say-no-to-mandatory-windows-8-uefi-cage/9770?alertspromo=&tag=nl.rSINGLE>
> >
>
> Free Software Foundation urges OEMs to say no to mandatory Windows 8 UEFI
> cage
>
> By Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols | October 18, 2011, 1:26pm PDT
>
> Summary: The Free Software Foundation is asking OEMs to give users a choice
> on Microsoft anti-Linux Windows 8's United Extensive Firmware security
> "feature."
>
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