Linux on Sony Vaio S13

TobiSGD · 12-10-2012, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nbiser

It would appear that Secure is one and the same as UEFI

...

This would make it appear that UEFI implements secure boot.

No matter how it appears, UEFI and Secure Boot are not the same. I have two UEFI machines that do not support Secure Boot at all. Just because Secure Boot was not a part of earlier specifications and therefor not implemented in that older UEFI firmware. Just in the same way that some years ago the BIOS was not able to boot from USB. This was implemented later.
UEFI in itself is nothing but a better replacement for the BIOS. Which version of specification is used for that implementation and how the parts are implemented is completely up to the specific manufacturer.

Quote:

Nevertheless, it does seem like a stunt that Microsoft would try to pull off!

Just because something seems to be in a certain way does not mean that it is in a certain way.

Nbiser · 12-11-2012, 11:31 AM

I guess that since you have UEFI machines that don't have secure boot I guess you must be right. However, do all new computers come with UEFI without secure boot?

Ztcoracat · 12-11-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nbiser

I read paragraphs 17&18 and I have come away with a new opinion of secure boot and UEFI. It would appear that Secure is one and the same as UEFI, but that secure boot can be turned off. Mandatory. Secure Boot Variable. This would make it appear that UEFI implements secure boot. Later on, it talks about how if the user erases a certain database secure boot will be disabled. So you seem to be right about some blogs! Nevertheless, it does seem like a stunt that Microsoft would try to pull off!

A stunt indeed; that really has a lot of folks not only talking but pretty hot under the colar about.

Ztcoracat · 12-11-2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nbiser

I guess that since you have UEFI machines that don't have secure boot I guess you must be right. However, do all new computers come with UEFI without secure boot?

I think it's just the computers with Windows 8 installed on them.
There may be a few computers out there still with Win's 7 on them.
Or you could purchase a computer with Linux already installed:
https://www.system76.com/?gclid=CM7T...FQ-f4AodrXwAIQ
http://www.linuxcertified.com/linux_laptops.html
http://linuxpreloaded.com/
http://www.techdrivein.com/2010/09/7...led-linux.html

It used to be that a consumer could purchase a computer from Tiger Direct or Newegg w/o an operating system on it-I heard they stopped providing customers with that options now.

TobiSGD · 12-11-2012, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nbiser

However, do all new computers come with UEFI without secure boot?

You can be pretty sure that the latest generation of machines comes with Secure Boot implemented. However, if you buy a machine with the Windows 8 logo you can be sure that there is an option to disable it and older machines, especially those that come with Windows 7 will not have it or have it deactivated by default.

Nbiser · 12-11-2012, 08:16 PM

Thanks for straightening me out on UEFI!

toshiro · 12-11-2012, 08:24 PM

Thank you for all your comments! Unfortunately, it looks like the procedure to install linux on this computer would be complex and time consuming, so I decided to spend a little more and buy a Macbook Pro, I really need a unix environment and currently don't have time for testing/hacking/whatever, hopefully linux will be easier to install in the next months so I can go back to linux when I buy the next computer.

Thanks!

TobiSGD · 12-11-2012, 08:43 PM

Would have been cheaper to just use Linux in a virtual machine, I think.