Hi
I have been reading recently that Microsoft are removing the requirement for
hardware manufacturers to provide a secure boot "off" switch, in order to gain
Windows 10 accreditation. If this comes to pass it will place Linux distros
entirely at the mercy of Microsoft to sign their authentication keys, otherwise
they will be shut out from installation on mainstream computers.
Given that Microsoft look like making a lot less money out of the Windows OS
itself over the coming years, it seems reasonable to assume that they will seek
to maximise whatever revenue they can generate. This points towards eventually
shutting out even "approved" Linux distributions. Presumably Apple can do
exactly the same to prevent installation on Macs.
If this comes to pass I have to admit to not having a clear view of where this
will leave us. The only possibilities I can see are:
1) Being confined to installing on Chromebooks
2) Being forced to use more expensive specialist hardware (e.g hardware
designed primarily to be a server)
3) A move to ARM-powered devices
I stress I am not an expert on this so my outlook may be unduly pessimistic,
but it would be interesting to get the views of anyone with more insight into
the implications.
Could something akin to Wubi be a way around the problem, albeit far from ideal?
I suppose ultimately I am looking for some reassurance that Linux on the
desktop is not being forced onto a road to nowhere.
Nige
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