| Subject: Mac Hacks Allow OS X on PCs (2) |
Author:
Betty
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Date Posted: 17:25:59 08/29/05 Mon
In reply to:
Betty
's message, "Mac Hacks Allow OS X on PCs" on 17:20:10 08/29/05 Mon
"The problem with this hack is that it is based on illegal software," said Steil. "You have to start by downloading pirated software."
The hackers are also writing software extensions so they can run their Wi-Fi cards and other non-Apple gadgets with the Mac OS.
"We have been working on many areas of the operating system," said cmoski. "Some are working on developing kernel extensions (the OS X equivalent of drivers) for our favorite hardware. For example, one driver that I am involved with is for the Broadcom wireless chipset."
Companies such as Microsoft and Intel originally laid the groundwork for the TPM. The companies insist the chip is meant to verify trusted computers on a network and prevent malicious code from running on PCs.
Apple would not comment on this story or on its intended uses for the TPM.
But critics have called the TPM an anti-competitive device that stifles innovation. They suspect the company may use the chip to keep unwanted third-party software off its machines. Others doubt Apple would take such a hard line with developers.
"Apple is a better company than Microsoft in general," said Bruce Schneier, a security expert, author and CTO of Counterpane Internet Security. "So, it's hard to attribute these nasty motives to them. But those are the risks."
Microsoft, through its participation in the Trusted Computing Group, laid the groundwork for the TPM "as a way to shore up its monopoly," said Schneier.
Apple could use the TPM, which stores digital encryption keys and certificates, to block third-party iTunes plug-ins from running on MacTels. (Apple currently plays a cat-and-mouse game with plug-in developers by having its software look for known unauthorized code.)
Such a move would help Apple and its partners secure short-term gains in market share for its iPod, which meshes tightly with iTunes and the iTunes Music Store.
Apple employees appear to have been trying to listen in on IRC discussions among OSx86 hackers, according to hackers citing the IP records from their IRC channels.
The hackers suspect Apple wanted to demonstrate the weaknesses of TPM security, and may have plans to license its operating system to PC makers eventually.
"Perhaps Steve Jobs wants to be able to tell Apple shareholders, 'Hey, I tried,' before he licenses the operating system (to other manufacturers)," said Mashugly.
It seems like getting around the TPM wasn't that hard, according to a hacker nicknamed "parch," who said, "Apple could have made the lock heavier."
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