Mac OS X, Linux May be Exempt From Green Dam
You can't hide from the Green Dam, unless you're a Mac or a... penguin.
We've been hearing about how PCs sold in China will come pre-installed with the controversial Green Dam filtering software – but what about computers that aren't exactly PCs?
It seems that Apple computers and those running Linux are exempt from the program. According to PC World, Macs sold at the Apple Store in Beijing are free from any Green Dam software, simply because there is no version for Mac OS X. The story does say that if there were an OS X version, then Apple will install it on its Macs.
A Lenovo spokesperson also told the publication that the Ministry of Industry and Information and Technology is not requiring non-Windows systems to come with the program. This means that Lenovo computers that ship with Linux will also not be fitted with any Green Dam software.
Right now it's unknown if the Green Dam software will spread to non-Windows PCs, but there's word of testing going on for compatibility with other systems. It's unclear if this means OS X, Linux, both, or neither.
Either way, those in China opposed to the software might have an extra incentive now to pick up a Mac or Linux machine.
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You have to wonder if the chinese government takes itself seriously.
Could this be the leg up Linux needs to steal a lead on Microsoft or will the Chinese Government ban/block it's use.
"The story does say that if there were an OS X version, then Apple will install it on its Macs."
Disgusting.
Clearly there is more to this than meets the eye.
@strangestranger
Both those guys are looking at vista.
Thank you Communism.
And once they port it to linux and then bsd I expect a resurgance of os/2 on the cards.
Doesnt the chinese government kinda assume that all of its 1.1 billion inhabitants are incapable of re-installing windows or installing linux?