[dba-Tech] UEFI

There is still much concern in the Linux community in related to the new
UEFI, BIOS replacement hardware. It will be an area within your computer
large enough to hold the entire kernel of some versions of Linux and is
basically totally protected unless your into hacking hardware.

It will be used by Windows to protect whether a Windows on the system has
been authenticated and all the drivers are signed.

The problems is why is the real reason that Microsoft is so struck on this
new system? There are of course a number of different reasons but the reason
most often stated is:

1. Blocking of malware in device drivers.
That sounds good on the surface but if a upgraded driver is not timely
signed by MS, will the system then stop working? Are all software companies
that wish to make Windows software then have to go through a Microsoft
vetting process? Will there be a charge for this?

2. Guaranteeing that the Windows OS on the hardware is authenticated. It
will be interesting to see just how this is managed. If anything goes wrong
during the installation or an update process will a call to the help line be
the only recourse. Will the upgrading of the PC hardware result in a hard
down and again a call to MS?

3. Forcing PCs to only run Windows software and only a certain versions.
Will dual boots work or will a virtual drive be the only way to run another
OS? Once another OS is installed will that invalidate warranty policies?
This type of implementation cripple all but the latest Windows OS?

In overview, is this combination of the new Windows OS and the new UEFI
meant to make the new PC the private preserve of Windows...much like MAC but
without the responsibility of supporting the hardware. Forcing
authentication compliance and therefore eliminating coping or pirating and
with the added bonus of wiping out all competition. 

Is this sort of like having your cake and making everyone else eat it? 

http://tinyurl.com/6sk772e

Jim