I’ve been following the “Windows 8″ UEFI controversy for a few weeks now and remain as concerned today about it’s impact on the average user who might wish to try Linux as I was then. As is to be expected, Microsoft has been playing both sides of the fence in the debate, insisting they are not in control of the end-effect, but rather the OEMs are. Microsoft insists that they are not requiring OEMs to collectively institute a prohibitively restrictive UEFI system. However, we know from previous instances and voluminous court records, that Microsoft does in fact exert inordinate pressure on manufacturers to conduct their business in a manner that suits Microsoft and not necessarily customers. Manufacturers that refuse to play along are treated to an endless litany of threats about licensing costs. Most manufacturers give in. Which is exactly the issue that is forefront in the minds of those key Open Source industry members and companies that have raised the alarm at what might be coming. If implemented in the a certain way, UEFI could quite literally halt the ability of average home users from loading Linux or other software on PCs they purchase. Luckily not all is settled and there is still time to ensure UEFI provides the security Microsoft is pushing so hard for without harming the Open Source community. How the UEFI controversy ultimately plays out is an open question that only time will now answer.
