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Stand up for your freedom to install free software The following is a public statement, open for signing. For more background, please read our more detailed explanation of the issue at http://fsf.org/campa...restricted-boot. 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." However, it is currently up for grabs whether this technology will live up to its name, or will instead earn the name Restricted Boot. When done correctly, "Secure Boot" is designed to protect against malware by preventing computers from loading unauthorized binary programs when booting. In practice, this means that computers implementing it won't boot unauthorized operating systems -- including initially authorized systems that have been modified without being re-approved. This could be a feature deserving of the name, as long as the user is able to authorize the programs she wants to use, so she can run free software written and modified by herself or people she trusts. However, we are concerned that Microsoft and hardware manufacturers will implement these boot restrictions in a way that will prevent users from booting anything other than Windows. In this case, we are better off calling the technology Restricted Boot, since such a requirement would be a disastrous restriction on computer users and not a security feature at all.Source This should be considered a joke ! Microsoft is seriously pushing the boundaries of monarchy. For one , what would any other reason so much attention be going to this if MS did not have unscrupulous measures in mind when they attempt something such as this. Forcing all manufacturers to use there logo is just horrendous , let alone the possibilities as to hat they may do with the manufacturers they use ie: Intel , and other major brands. Pay close attention to this , and if you care what so ever about being able to have a free and open market for hardware , and or software , you might do well for future generations to spread this as far as the Earth is a planet.