Re: [News] H-P ProBook Comes with Red Flag Linux, Not Just Ballnux

[Matt <matt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Roy Schestowitz wrote:
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA1
>
> ____/ Matt on Monday 04 May 2009 22:39 : \____
>
> > Roy Schestowitz wrote:
> > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> > > Hash: SHA1
> > >
> > > HP ProBook 4710s Video Hands On
> > >
> > > ,----[ Quote ]
> > > | It's clear that HP is attempting to target small and medium businesses
> > > | that need to purchase new notebooks but can't afford the $1,500+ expense
> > > | of the HP EliteBooks. HP offers the ProBook 4710s with Windows Vista,
> > > | Windows XP, SuSE Linux, FreeDOS, or Red Flag Linux so IT managers can pick
> > > | the OS that makes life the easiest. Likewise, optional HP Care Pack
> > > | Services offer extended service contracts which go beyond the standard
> > > | one-year warranties for the notebook and battery.
> > > `----
> > >
> > > http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5009
> > Apparently HP expects some benefit from pushing this commie distro.
> No, no....
>
> H-P is becoming a charity. :-)

There could be back doors in the BIOS, unlocked at decisive moments by 
obscure code in the OS.  Actually this looks like a disadvantage to the 
users of a FOSS OS, assuming sinister motives by the distro maker.