Yes, this message is as bleak as it sounds. I appoligise if you have already seen a similar message. We need to act!<br><br>Hello,<br>It as part of the Windows 8 OEM scheme Microsoft requires the
OEM's to lock down the computer to only run windows 8 or other
"authorized" OS'es via a signature system.[1] for "security" reasons.<br>
<br>Put simply, Microsoft as part of their OEM system require all new<br>computers shipping with windows 8 to use secure signing keys to<br>prevent 'unauthorized software' from running on the computer. This<br>will prevent all free software operating systems from running on the<br>
computers that come with OEM by default.<br><br>So, we need YOU to stand up for Linux in Australia (and other countries)!<br><br>Simply follow these easy steps.<br>1. Click this link: <a href="http://www.accc.gov.au/content/maintain/create/index.phtml?contentTypeItemId=9133&informationSpaceItemId=268347&inPop=1&returnUrl=.&type=Other" target="_blank">here</a><br>
2. Fill out your concerns. (Find an attached letter for reference)<br>3. Submit with Personal Information (note result, post interesting stuff)<br>4. Tell your friends to do the same<br>5. (optional) Forward this to your favourite Linux Mailing List<br>
<br><br>
Regards,<br>Luke Martinez<br><a href="mailto:me@luke.asia" target="_blank">me@luke.asia</a><br><br>Here is some more info for those who don't know:<br><br><a href="http://video.ch9.ms/build/2011/slides/HW-457T_van_der_Hoeven.pptx" target="_blank">http://video.ch9.ms/build/2011/slides/HW-457T_van_der_Hoeven.pptx</a><br>
(slide 11) [1] <br><a href="http://mjg59.dreamwidth.org/5552.html" target="_blank">http://mjg59.dreamwidth.org/5552.html</a> [2]<br><a href="http://www.itwire.com/opinion-and-analysis/open-sauce/49889-will-windows-8-succeed-in-locking-out-gnulinux" target="_blank">http://www.itwire.com/opinion-and-analysis/open-sauce/49889-will-windows-8-succeed-in-locking-out-gnulinux</a> [3]<br>
<br>Here is the reference letter:<br><br>To ACCC<br><span>I have recently learnt that any new computer or laptop that ships
with the upcoming Windows 8 Operating System will not be able to run any
other Operating System. Microsoft's new UEFI Secure Boot system prevents
'unauthorized software' from running on any new computer sold with
Windows 8.
Making a system that ships with only Micrsoft Windows not being able to
boot a copy of Linux or any other operating system.
I wish to use Linux on future computers, and this will not allow me to
use Linux at all. Microsoft is engaging in seriously anti-competitive
behaviour by forcing the lockout of all competitors. (See: <a href="http://www.itwire.com/opinion-and-analysis/open-sauce/49889-will-windows-8-succeed-in-locking-out-gnulinux" target="_blank">http://www.itwire.com/opinion-and-analysis/open-sauce/49889-will-windows-8-succeed-in-locking-out-gnulinux</a>
) Not only will Microsoft kick out Linux off the computers, they will
prevent 'upgrading' of windows versions: creating forced obsolescence. I
am disgusted, is Microsoft legally allowed to do this? Microsoft has
been slowly becoming more anti-competitive: computing used to be about
choice, having the ability to choose the
Operating System. Now Microsoft want to have complete control.
<br><br>Regards,<br><br>______ ________<br><br><a href="mailto:you@example.org" target="_blank">you@example.org</a></span>