"Windows 8 supports a feature of the
UEFI specification known as "Secure boot", which uses a
public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as
bootkits from infecting the device.[SUP]
[96] [/SUP]Microsoft faced criticism (particularly from
free software supporters) for mandating that devices receiving its optional certification for Windows 8 have secure boot enabled by default using a key provided by Microsoft. Concerns were raised that secure boot could
prevent or hinder the use of alternate operating systems such as
Linux. In response to the criticism, Microsoft developer Tony Mangefeste stated that "At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. Microsoft's philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves."[SUP]
[97][/SUP][SUP]
[98] [/SUP]Microsoft's certification requirements eventually revealed that UEFI firmware on
x86 systems must allow users to re-configure or turn off secure boot, but that this must not be possible on
ARM-based systems (
Windows RT). Microsoft faced further criticism for its decision to restrict Windows RT devices by using this functionality.[SUP]
[64][/SUP][SUP]
[99][/SUP][SUP]
[100][/SUP] Tom Warren, in an article on
The Verge, said that other smartphones and tablets are typically sold in a locked-down state.[SUP]
[100][/SUP] No mandate is made regarding the installation of third-party certificates that would enable running alternative software.[SUP]
[101][/SUP][SUP]
[102][/SUP][SUP]
[103]" [/SUP]- Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation
