A big chunk of achieving a multi-soc supporting linux kernel has been converting arm drivers to use Device Tree for initialization. You build a generic kernel, and uboot either loads a DT or supplies it directly to tell the kernel what hardware layout is present.

Intel doesn't make Windows Only chips, they make cpus and it just happens that for some they gave the specs to Microsoft for support and are letting others figure it out on their own. If there is interest in Linux running on them, it'll happen when the community dives in and makes it work, just like they have with nearly every other architecture out there. Intel isn't actively blocking other OSs from the platform. Just because Intel isn't devoting manpower to Linux support for a given chip you don't have to form a lynch mob.

Depends on the level of yank Apple applies. They do have a remote kill option as noted in the past.

Almost all gas engines use smog pumps these days, including Honda. The pump isn't there to dilute the gases, it's to supply fresh oxygen to the mix to allow remaining unburnt gas to finish combusting so the catalytic converter can deal with it.

Unless you do something along with the notification to make a customer actually ACT to clean up their system, they won't. As soon as you start taking customers offline when you confirm their compromised, they'll jump ISPs. It's a no win situation.

Look at the file sizes, those are all trailers which are available legally online.

So... what stops WidgetCo from selling a cheaper version of the hardware sans Windows, unlocked? (Cheaper as no Windows license to pay for.)

Absolutely NOTHING.

You want Windows, you play in the sandbox just like with IOS. You don't want windows? Well good news, there is a giant freaking ecosystem of options out there, already well established. The chinese alone will guarantee copies of hardware that are wide open will always be available.

I'd just like to point out that I had a 386sx-33, and I could in fact play video on it.

No, I couldn't stream netflix but many demos had video clips, as well as some early CD games.

Actually, (In the US anyways) you can be nailed for DUI even on private property. Even if it's not a car but a lawn tractor...