This is probably old news to some, but I was alarmed to learn information regarding a collaboration between Microsoft & Phoenix Technologies to integrate Windows (to the exclusion of other OS products) more closely into the next-generation BIOS, known as Core System Software (CSS). Their "TrustedCore" firmware utilizes cryptographic keys to identify the machine AND user. Also, forget about using any legacy systems or today's PCs. They simply won't be permitted to logon to those servers running CSS. You are either "trusted" or you're not.

The implications of this new BIOS or CSS are more than a little scary. A friend and I have recently compiled a short list of the possibilities mentioned in various articles, if this thing goes through as planned. They are as follows:


- Current PC architecture, as we know it, will go away in one to two years.

- Its replacement will have the same level of functionality as a smart toaster, XBox or WebTV - virtually useless without proprietary software.

- You will not be able to run Non-Microsoft OS products, such as Linux, OpenBSD, and other operating systems, on the new hardware.

- You will probably not be able to run anything other than MS application-ware on it as well.

- Microsoft and the other members of the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance (TCPA) will have final say over the operation and content of your PC. In a nutshell: You (the end-user) cannot and will not be "trusted", as far as content of your (legacy) PC is concerned.

- You will not be able to connect through a "trusted" switch (such as the new Cisco line), without meeting a minimum level of "system trust". Forget the Net, unless you're running one of these new wonder boxes. Legacy systems need not apply.

- Microsoft is incorporating new file-searching technology into future OS products which will allow you to organize your drive's contents more efficiently. It also "phones home" to MS with a report about your system's contents.

- Attempts to circumvent any of the above will find you in violation of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) and subject to a hefty fine, federal prison time, or both.

Several articles regarding this subject can be found at the following links:

http://www.betanews.com/article.php3?sid=1069920675
http://www.againsttcpa.com/
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104_2-5111993.html
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39116902,00.htm
http://deviceforge.com/news/NS6888038345.html

If those articles weren't convincing, there are so many others to verify what I'm saying. Just do a Google search for: TCPA, CSS, BIOS, Phoenix, Linux, Microsoft, TrustedCore NB, etc.

Having recently converted to Linux (via Knoppix) from Microsoft, I was alarmed to learn of the implications put forth by the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance (TCPA) - a consortium (headed by Microsoft) pushing for this technology. I like Linux, and I don't like the idea of someone else telling me whether I can logon to my ISP or visit a some website. I've never considered myself "Anti-Microsoft", but I'm liking them less and less these days.

Essentially, Microsoft would do an "end run" around its competitors. Never mind efficient, open source software, or the fact that Microsoft MUST develop better software as a result of competition from Linux. They won't have to, now that hardware (the new BIOS / CSS) has become the new gatekeeper.

Remember folks, the Non-MS OS (Linux, OpenBSD, etc.) will NOT boot if the CSS doesn't detect appropriate MS software. This is a close collaboration between Phoenix Technologies and Microsoft to the exclusion of everyone else.

Please respond to this post and other web articles on the subject. I would love to know what others, more technologically savvy, think of this.

Happy Holidays everyone!