Apple sneaks in security chip

APPLE HAS worked out a way to prevent their customers downloading the company's new Intel-based operating system into cheaper and uglier PCs.

Jobs Mob boffins have installed a Trusted Platform Module made by Infineon Technologies to prevent the operating system being used on anything that is not re-assuringly expensive and has an Apple trademark.

The chip has been found in an Intel-fitted PowerMac sent to members of its Apple Developer Connection to have a look at. According to CNET, the PowerMac came with a that contains a digital signature necessary in order to install the Mac OSX operating system onto the box.

It seems that Apple is trying to prevent the spread of its operating system onto PCs and keep it just for its reassuringly expensive but jolly nice to look at machines.

Apparently it was possible to install other operating systems like Windows and Linux onto the test box. But it was impossible, the source said, to install software from the DVD containing the Intel-configured Mac OS onto similar x86-based PCs that lacked a TPM.

Now that sort of thing has riled Apple fans, not so much before it will prevent the loading of its Intel-based OS on non-Mac boxes, because that would be heresy. It is more because it will mean that the operating system will be tied to a particular machine, and will identify users.

The technology could also be used to prevent them all downloading pirated movies and music. Another reason is that it seems that Apple have got so close to their cheaper and more accessible PC rivals that it now needs a bit of hardware to stop users running the two operating systems side-by-side.

According to CNET, the row has got so bad that one Apple user has threatened to remove his Apple tattoo if the chip appears next summer. Maybe he will take his tin-foil hat off and stop receiving the messages from the Jobs Mob marketing department too.

The full story is here. µ