Taken from The Linux and OpenSource blog:
If you’re buying a new computer in the near future, it may be a good idea to avoid systems with Phoenix bios on them. There’s recent proof that their 2003 contract with Microsoft has born fruit in their latest bios versions which now prevent you from installing any OS other than Vista. Not only is this a really, really bad move by Phoenix, but it’s also another strike against Microsoft as it seems to be trying to become uber monopolistic in the PC market again simply by locking out anyone and everyone they can. Thank goodness the open bios project is in full swing. We may need them in the near future.
WTF is wrong with Phoenix? And they say it is being done to increase the security of the OS. Yeah right!! How?? The next thing they’l say is unplug it from the internet! This is a joke! Well ill make sure me OR my friends dont lay their hands on a PC with a Phoenix BIOS. Thanks a LOT Microsoft and Phoenix!
Kalpik can you check whether this deal applies to Newer BIOS or existing version as well.
Then i might stop flashing my bios
but indeed a Bad move:
AFAIK, its only with the newer BIOS.
Kalpik, you in the United States?
I read this yesterday as well, sucks man… I hope they go down the drain.
Hehe.. Actually the IP range we get in CSC is 20.198.XXX.XXX this is CSC owned and they have set up their own Virtual Private Network here from the US. So our PCs and the US PCs are on a HUGE LAN! That’s why we get a US IP. Hehe.. Ill be back to India by evening
Always fast aren’t you?
Yup i am!
There appears to be genuine disagreement as to who’s foremost to blame for this situation. If you care to register a vote on the matter, you can do it here:
http://www.networkworld.com/community/?q=node/13831
Hi Paul! Thanks for giving us another viewpoint on this issue
Though i still think its Microsoft’s/Phoenix’s fault 
Oh by the way, welcome to my blog
Thanx a lot for the info kalpik…
This might seriously harm the sales of Phenoix bios systems…
And for those who don’t know about this they will surely pull their hair after buying such a system if they dont plan to install Vista exclusively…
Ugh!!!! That’s really bad!! I helped my uncle buy a new PC which is an Intel DG965RY mobo. I don’t remember exactly which BIOS it has. I hope its not Phoenix and even if it is, its not gonna hamper the system. Ubuntu installed just fine and saved the day for the partitioning and other stuff(too long to name it here :P) There are a LOT of updates to the BIOS mentioned on the site. **Enters thinking mode**