Don’t miss Mark Russonovich’s post describing how he found malware on his computer that was installed when he tried to play a copy protected music CD. Not only does the post explains the degree to which music companies are willing to screw up your computer to try to keep you from copying music, but it is also a fascinating account of how one goes about finding and removing software installed maliciously. I find it absurd that companies are legally allowed to install such software when you try to play their CDs. (Via Adam Shostack)
November 3, 2005 at 8:59 am
I used to buy about 50 CDs a year. I decided to stop when the RIAA, the MPAA and their member thugs were able to buy the enactment of the DMCA.
Since then, their overarching attempts to control all digital entertainment, computers, playback mechanisms and other gadgets have reached a point of insanity. As one example, you can probably recall their attempts to attain the right to hack into any computer anywhere in the search for MP3s (licit or otherwise). They even claimed the right to cause physical damage to such equipment. The laws they promulgated left them essentially free of all responsibility for any data loss that occurred in the process. Fortunately that section of legislation was voted down.
If at all possible, I will not provide any group with the funds to steal my rights, or to damage me in other ways. There may be products, services or taxes where I have no real choice, but music and movies are not in that class. Boycott the bastards!
November 4, 2005 at 2:20 pm