Time for Windows in ROM

DOA · Feb 18, 2015

DOS got embedded a long time ago.
Win 8 in ROM for phones is pretty much here.

How secure would a reduced feature Win 7 in ROM be?
I am thinking nothing running automatically, just burn a ROM with Win7 and the few drivers you actually need. Updating would be a huge pain compared to downloads as you have to swap the ROM, but the security may be worth it.

I know this is the opposite of the new Windows as a service (which will probably be even less secure than what we have now). But for people who do not update on a regular basis Win in ROM might be a better solution.

Has anyone successfully done this? We have a couple of Win2000 on ROM installs and they do not work all that well.

DavidGP · Feb 20, 2015

Hi DOA

I personally think ROMS are good for security, but updates would be a pain for general users unless it was made easy to do with a few clicks. Hence lack or replies, many are not accustomed to ROMs or running segregated OS

Best I have found of late is Win2USb as its a great app and I have installed Win 10 TP on and SSD via USB, it boots in my main desktop fine, updates could be a pain as WU hates USB installs and generally will not update to a portable drive, but you can test.

ROM install I have not, don't have the hardware to do this, but I think its a viable avenue to explore

DOA · Feb 21, 2015

Thanks David, looks like this security solution would not be popular.
I have a lot of experience with OS's that did not get updated for years, our QNX systems went over a decade with no updates. Once the OS is right and does what you want there are scenarios where you do not need updates.
The fact people are still happy with XP shows many do not need or want the newer features in later Windows versions. An OS in ROM and locked down system might be a good security answer in that case.

DavidGP · Feb 21, 2015

I agree, I just wonder though how an OS ROM would do with the various read and writes, more so the writes that happen in paging for instance, if the core OS was in ROM and a HDD was used for data only, pagefile etc then a really good solution for companies. Then if a major update for OS was needed a core ISO written to ROM again would keep the user updated.

Interesting topic that I dont sadly know much about yet, so look forward to more posts on this.

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Time for Windows in ROM

DOA MG's Loki

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

DOA MG's Loki

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member