The Free Software Foundation has hit the streets so to speak and is looking for support against restrictive boot systems, such as the UEFI SecureBoot, from being used to restrict non-Microsoft operating systems from being installed, namely Linux. Keep in mind the issue isn’t UEFI SecureBoot in general, as this technology will aid in stopping malware and other negatives from affecting a users systems.

“Our campaign is against Restricted Boot, not against Secure Boot, when under the control of the computer user, is ok. Restricted Boot means using Secure Boot so as to restrict the computer owner. That’s what makes it wrong.” Says Free Software Foundation President Richard Stallman. The FSF is looking for signatures on a pledge titled “Stand up for your freedom to install free software” saying they won’t purchase or promote any system that restricts the user from choosing their operating system. So far, the FSF has grabbed 41,000 signatures with some being from high profile companies like Wreathe, Debian, Edoceo, and Zando.

“We are concerned that Microsoft and hardware manufactures will implement these boot restrictions in a way that will prevent from booting anything other than Windows,” read the appeal. The FSF says they need to raise $350,000 before January 31st in order to “turn up the volume” and get there concerns heard. The’ve ased for a mininmum of a $50 donation from those willing to help out.

Personally the SecureBoot system, while great to protect a system from outside attacks, shouldn’t be use to limit a users ability to choose what he or she wants on their system. Granted most will stick to Windows 8 when they buy their new computers, limiting someones choice to pick which operating system they want seems to be against a lot of free society values. While you may not be looking to switch to an open sourced OS like BSD or Linux, you should still have the right to do so if need be. I wish the FSF the best in luck with their endevours and offer my full support.