Proprietary OS Lock-in

The cluster centers on criticism of proprietary operating systems restricting hardware to a single OS, enabling surveillance and control, contrasted with advocacy for open-source alternatives like Linux that offer freedom and transparency.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Hardware
3,235
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#2032
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
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2008
13
2009
35
2010
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2011
73
2012
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2013
136
2014
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2015
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2016
182
2017
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2018
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2026
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Keywords

T3 TH55 RELEASE OSS UNMODIFIED PRC OS PC DAL.prc DAL os hardware operating install linux prc rom ground open source oss

Sample Comments

shmerl Oct 31, 2025 View on HN

Hardware shouldn't be limited to a single operating system.

dingo_bat Jan 29, 2019 View on HN

Because the OS's customer is not you, it serves other interests.

pmarreck May 2, 2023 View on HN

Hey, I heard there are open-source OS'es where this bullshit is not possible because it would be out in the open ::looks at penguin::

ikeboy Jul 31, 2015 View on HN

So then what's wrong when an OS does it?

fomine3 Aug 6, 2021 View on HN

This has been a risk by using closed source OS.

anothernewdude Sep 1, 2025 View on HN

If sideloading goes, so does their OS.

ziofill Mar 6, 2025 View on HN

Since they control the OS the could also restrict that.

throwaind29k Jan 23, 2025 View on HN

You don't trust the OS do that kind of safeguarding?

advael Jun 22, 2024 View on HN

"You can only use our OS if you opt in to some malware that pre-empts the OS" - Microsoft having a normal one

yamazakiwi Apr 18, 2023 View on HN

There are many that don't have control over what operating system they use.