[wplug] Linux on new PCs

[Mike Sussman]

Folks,
        
Last year there were a number of news articles about a new security plan
for PC BIOSs.  I believe this is UEFI secure booting, and that Windows 8
requires it.  Only OSs that can supply some cryptographically secure key
will boot.  The articles suggested that OSs such as Linux could not be
installed on such a computer.  I have not seen recent follow-up
articles.

I am about to purchase a new laptop.  It is my custom to immediately
install Linux on my laptops (dual boot) and I am worried that I will run
into trouble trying to do so.

Will I be able to install Linux on a new computer?  Will I have to
specify something special about UEFI when I order the computer, or will
I be restricted to computers with Linux pre-installed?

I would appreciate information or pointers to information.

___________________

Mike Sussman