Sundog reports that Microsoft is updating their
Xbox consoles when you connect via Xbox Live, the online gaming network for the
console. This is nothing special really but the updates will, without
informing the user, also fix the dashboard bug that previously allowed
people to install Linux on their console:
 The particular bug that this update will correct for the user is
the ability to run Linux. Once the update is in place you will not be able
to install Linux on your Xbox any more, at least not in the convenient way
that the Dashboard bug allowed, according to the XboxLinux pages.
An interesting aspect of this affair is the insight it
provides into the future of trussed-up computing, the initiative that
promises to make your computer a restricted zone where content providers
(Vole Central, the members of the RIAA or the MPAA, etc.) can keep control
over their data even as they extract payment from you for the enjoyment of
it. The Xbox software/hardware combination is a test bed for a lot of this
technology and this is unlikely to be the last patch to fix a bug that end
users don't necessarily want fixing.
The Xbox only runs software approved by Microsoft.
Part of the approval procedure involves promising to pay taxes (for each
game sold) to the Vole empire. Since the Xbox itself is generally assumed
to be sold at a loss, this source of income is vital to the Volish plan to
burrow into the games console market.
Needless to say, there's no version of Linux that is
approved by Microsoft for use on the Xbox. Therefore there is no version
of Linux with the requisite electronic signature attached. Without the
signature the Xbox will reject your CD or
DVD. |
Before you wonder if what Microsoft is doing is legal, well yes
it is. Xbox games have a warning on them that connecting to the Xbox Live
Vole Service may update the console. Read more on this matter over
at The
Inquirer website.
Source: The Inquirer
