Windows BIOS supports DRM and prevents "unauthorized devices"

I wonder if this new BIOS will also attempt to prevent the user from installing alternatives to Windows such as Linux. If it does, then I will get a Mac if the this new BIOS is part of all PCs when the time goes I want to get a new computer.

No, TC. That will probably not be the case. That BIOS must be backwards compatible too. Afterall, MS also has a lot of corporate users. These customers also need that BIOS for older applications or dual boot situations. And there is another reason. Phoenix has a huge market. It wants to expand it, but it doesn't want to lose an existing one. No matter how small it it.

And if it really turns out bad then there is an open source BIOS too. See this http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=6397 . Made for Linux, but also boots W2K for an example. Of course its position is week, because it needs to have support of the MB manufacturers. That support is still weak, but that may change if the consumer rights activists gain more ground.

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I'm curious, what is an "unauthorized device" ?

I mean, it's not like you can copy you ATI video adapter and distribute it on Kazaa...

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Nope. But you can copy protected CD-ROMs on an ordinary CD-ROM burner. That would be an "unathourized device".

I see. So, with such a a BIOS, people won't be able to make a backup of their CD's.
Sorry, but I don't like the idea. Ever since the disquette days, I've always taken the habit of making a backup of the original, use the backup while keeping the original safely on the shelf. I've had CD's scratched and damaged before, and was quite happy I still had the original.

Hehe. You'll never hear me saying that I like the idea.

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I like and dislike the idea. I like it because it will force more of you to use macs. I dislike it because i like backing up my stuff as well.

I liked the idea of DRM, I just didn't like the pork they added to it.

Unless they are saying that in order to do DRM, they have to make the BIOS this way.

Then I am totally against it.

I also wonder how much of the TCG goals end up in the chip.

Look at https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org and at their members ( https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/about/members ).

Oh boy...If this ever comes to fruition...You can bet PC sales will slow

They better gimme the option to turn it off...hehe

Is this DRM thing related to TCPA? TCPA is very controversial in the open source community although TCPA should be able to switched off. If switched off, you would lose some functionality to your computer forcing you to want to have it on. If DRM can be switched off, I am sure it too would mean losing some functionality.

I like it because it will force more of you to use macs

Why does it matter what everyone else uses. All that matters is what you use and if you are happy with what you use. I use Linux and am happy with it. It doesn't matter if my preference remains in the minority.

can't compare Linux to a Mac. Apples and oranges...

Why does it matter what everyone else uses. All that matters is what you use and if you are happy with what you use. I use Linux and am happy with it. It doesn't matter if my preference remains in the minority.

I'm not making a comparison, I am just saying all that matters is if you are happy with what you use. It doesn't matter what everyone else uses or what everyone else thinks of your computing preferences.

Yeah, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM and probably some other big names were working on this thing called "Palladium". Supposed to be a fusion of hardware and software that "secured your rights and helped distribute content the way you want it." Oh sure...The way Microsoft wants it. If DRM is hardwired into your PC, you are out of luck for people who like their music collections on a local disk as do I. If this goes through the way the biggies want it, there sure will be some major changes in the industry...

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is pure a MS thingy and of course has support from the entertainment industry. TCPA was the previous incarnation of TCG. The new organization has more members and this time they come from any part of the hardware industry. From cellulars to CPU manufacturers. This group aims at universal security. The entertainment industry is not prominently present. However, Sony has a seat. Supposedly to represent the various hardware they produce.

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/0,39020645,2133194,00.htm

Xendre64: Phoenix claims BIOS support for DRM can be switched off. They probably smelled resistance in an early stage.

What worries me is that I do not see a representation of consumers in any of those initiatives. Probably because they are "too complicated to work with"?

Yeah, a big lawsuit could develop if it was impossible to turn off...Again. Consumers may not know how to express their views. Too bad really, this is a controversial subject. Sort of like a double-edged sword; it could help legitimate stuff distribute safer, but undoubtedly there will be big name companies using exploits to control what you do...