"...the idea that Apple could shut off non-store software completely is pretty fantastical and unrealistic."
Could or would? They could at any point. That's not what this (old) news says though. Gatekeeper requires application signing, which is entirely different than "shutting off non-store software completely." All App Store apps are signed by default, which is why the news makes this distinction.
"That said (and as a Mac fan), I don't like this move."
Please, ask yourself why. Reflect on it, because I think a lot of the apprehension is misguided.
App signing is a good thing. Developers have an entirely different set of needs from the general computing public. We represent a small percentage of said population. So why should computers be designed with defaults that suit us, when we have the ability to change them (easily)?
The Flashback virus should be a wake up call to those still clinging to the notion that the current situation is sustainable. It's not. Flashback would have been stopped by app signing. Even if a malicious signed app does make it through to the public, the ability to revoke their cert means you can take the app offline quickly.
This is good for the vast majority of computer users. Is it less open? Yes, but it's a step forward from a safety perspective. You have to choose your priorities. What we have now isn't working.
Could or would? They could at any point. That's not what this (old) news says though. Gatekeeper requires application signing, which is entirely different than "shutting off non-store software completely." All App Store apps are signed by default, which is why the news makes this distinction.
"That said (and as a Mac fan), I don't like this move."
Please, ask yourself why. Reflect on it, because I think a lot of the apprehension is misguided.
App signing is a good thing. Developers have an entirely different set of needs from the general computing public. We represent a small percentage of said population. So why should computers be designed with defaults that suit us, when we have the ability to change them (easily)?
The Flashback virus should be a wake up call to those still clinging to the notion that the current situation is sustainable. It's not. Flashback would have been stopped by app signing. Even if a malicious signed app does make it through to the public, the ability to revoke their cert means you can take the app offline quickly.
This is good for the vast majority of computer users. Is it less open? Yes, but it's a step forward from a safety perspective. You have to choose your priorities. What we have now isn't working.