A Major threat to free/open operating systems.

Microsoft has announced that if computer makers wish to distribute machines with the Windows 8 compatibility logo, they will have to implement a measure called "Secure Boot." Secure Boot is designed to protect against malware by preventing computers from loading unauthorized binary programs when booting.

"This document is intended to describe how the UEFI secure boot specification can be implemented to interoperate well with open systems and to avoid adversely affecting the rights of the owners of those systems while providing compliance with proprietary software vendors’ requirements."

What follows is a step-by-step guide on how I succeeded in dual-booting Windows 8 Pro and Ubuntu 12.10 Desktop on a computer with UEFI firmware on the motherboard, using 64-bit installation images of both operating systems.

Rather than sticking with Microsoft Windows XP or the updated Windows 7, there are a variety of reasons for checking out alternative operating systems for your netbook.

There are many new interesting alternative operating systems: Syllable, Haiku etc. They may promise speed, low system requirements and many good and promising features. But what about security? Is it discussed enough?

On the age of Internet can we even imagine a desktop operating system without a network connection? With networking comes the need for security.

Please direct the Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission to investigate Microsoft's mandate of SecureBoot UEFI in order to run Windows 8. Currently, Microsoft requires SecureBoot UEFI in order to allow vendors to certify their hardware for Windows 8. By imposing this requirement, Microsoft stifles innovation under the guise of security. http://wh.gov/wHLq

Think twice before purchasing Microsoft's new ARM-based tablet, especially if you are hoping to replace the new Windows RT operating system, with a free software operating system such as GNU/Linux or Android. These new devices ship with Restricted Boot, which prevents you from installing free software on the device.

Hispalinux’s complaint called the implementation of UEFI Secure Boot an “obstruction mechanism” and “a de facto technological jail for computer booting systems.”