Unfair competition

[David Fletcher]

On Wed, 2011-09-28 at 12:29 -0700, Ernest Doub wrote:
> 

>         
> A.  Makes perfect sense if you have been following the thread from the
> beginning.
> B.  It isn't a joke.
> Concerns have been raised about dual-boot configuration machines and
> the ability to install Linux on new motherboards employing the UEFI
> Secure Boot technology.
> There was a very widely publicized case in the EU where Micro$oft was
> prosecuted for illegally attempting to restrict competition through
> their interdependent bundled software.
> They paid a massive fine and had to make unbundled operating system
> software available throughout the EU.
> This new technology raises the same concerns and the OP is advising
> that the appropriate EU official be notified ~now~ while it is still
> easy to fix instead of after it is already deployed.
> 
> Any more questions?
> 
> 
I've now received a personal reply by email, from

Per Hellström    
Head of Unit    
European Commission    
DG Competition    
Markets and cases II: Information, Communication and Media   
Antitrust: IT, Internet and Consumer electronics

The European Commission appears to be fully aware of the situation and
the possible consequences, and says

"As you are probably aware, Windows 8 is currently under development and
therefore not final. We will, however, monitor the further developments
in order to ensure the full respect of European competition rules."

"Feedback from interested citizens, such as yours, is a very valuable
source of information for us which we take seriously, and for which we
would like to thank you."



They say they are listening, so it's up to us to give them something to
listen to by sending in our opinions.

Dave