Booting Knoppix on UEFI enabled Windows 8 machines …
Well met,
I've been playing around with a new Windows 8 machine. That means UEFI Secure Boot is part of the (what was) BIOS.
It's a lock-in attempt, no doubt about it.
I spent a few minutes disabling UEFI Secure Boot, then tweaking settings for what type of bootloaders could be detected, then turn off Fast boot so USB boot was possible. These settings are not for normal people. Only hardcore nerds are even going to want to try.
But now, after getting a Knoppix 6.7 CD booted up and then using the system's flash-knoppix command, I'm working on a GNU/Linux operating system entirely off a 16 gig USB stick. I'm impressed with Knoppix and how easy Klaus has made Live booting. I'm not impressed with UEFI and Secure Boot.
Just cut a Fedora 18 release DVD and now in the midst of reading up on how to dual boot Windows 8 and GNU/Linux. Fedora bit the bullet and paid Microsoft for a Secure Boot digital key. This technology doesn't make PCs that much safer, in my humble opinion, but it does put barriers in place for people that don't need or want Windows.
To me, it is a sign that Microsoft will corrupt anything and anyone to retain market share at a time when viable alternatives exist and are gaining traction.
So, while spending the next few days happily running Knoppix off of a USB stick, I'll be reading up on the next hurdle of figuring out how to dual boot Fedora and Windows in the new UEFI Secure Boot world. Failing that, Windows will be erased and the machine will be a GNU/Linux only work station. I hope not, seeing as part of the purchase price of the machine includes the Windows 8 license.
Keep your heads up and keep an eye on Microsoft. They have successfully managed to restrict our freedoms under the guise of safety. Don't fall for it. Complain, like I just did. Don't let the term Secure Boot lull you into thinking that Windows is now safer. Don't let UEFI lull you into thinking that Windows is a
Cheers,
Brian
