Controlling the kernel is all about DRM

[polonus]

Hi malware fighters,

The new kernel protection in Vista is not primarily about security, it has all to do with DRM. Look for a discussion here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=121

DRM is all-right where it is acting against piracy, not when it is acting against "fair use", there were legit owned DVD's can no longer be played on a Windows Computer, while you have bought the DVD, but you need to download additionaly the latest version of AnyDVD to be able to view your own DVD on your own computer. How would you feel if you had to enter your frontdoor with a lockpicker in stead of your key.

We see where it gets to when the DeCSS program can only be legally used outside 37 nations that signed in to DRM via WIPO? Not because people should not play DVD's on a linux box, but because it can circumvent regional code restrictions, and that is used to fix prices of DVDs too high. Are computers gradually being turned into "restrictive" content playing devices, is this what  kernel control and DRM is actually all about?

polonus

[igor]

Are computers gradually being turned into "restrictive" content playing devices, is this what kernel control and DRM is actually all about?

Basically, yes 

[bob3160]

Are computers gradually being turned into "restrictive" content playing devices, is this what kernel control and DRM is actually all about?

Basically, yes 

Hi Igor,
In light of the following statement,

I've spoken to a number of security company representatives and they all tell me that unfettered access to the 64-bit kernel is vital if they are to offer the same level of security as they currently do for 32-bit versions of Windows.

How is avast! able to continue offering their customers Anti-Virus protection while McAfee and Symantec only seem to be able to offer complaints

[galooma]

Vista and More: Piecing Together Microsoft's DRM Puzzle
The copy-control technologies baked into Vista and the Windows Media platform cover plenty of ground, but who benefits?
 
Read the full story http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9005047&pageNumber=3

[polonus]

Hi Clousseau,

But there is an alternative to play these streams. I use this free open source media player: http://www.videolan.org/ Videolan does all the commercial proggies do, and even more. You can also download a recorder so that you can save the streams for later (considering you live in a country where that use is still considered legal): Radio tuner is such a program. See here: http://all-streaming-media.com/

These movements and policies are typical for all that is going around in the monopolistic corporal world. It is all about control, and taking measures to see no-one escapes control in the future. At least that is what they try to accomplish.

Why do you think salmon is no longer reared in the wild, but in big basins, why eel is disappearing, deer is under suspicion of BSE, wild boar is dangerous?? No-one should be able to escape control in the future society or be self-sufficient. The same with the content industry, if they were horse-butchers they rather sell per ounce than by the pound, and even chop away at a race-horse. This is also behind the schemes and attack to damage open source (who owns the alleged patents?). Not every home user is aware, but the role of the home-user is being minimized to pay and play, but under "their" rules. And these rules are not going to be consumer-friendly. Alas they have to present it in such a way, and do it so cleverly, that they won't shoot in their own foot. We live in interesting days.

polonus

[DavidR]

Vista and More: Piecing Together Microsoft's DRM Puzzle
The copy-control technologies baked into Vista and the Windows Media platform cover plenty of ground, but who benefits?
 

Certainly not the user.
<soapbox>
As was true with the Windows Genuine Advantage 'spin' whose advantage (?) again certainly nothing extra was gained by an end user, what would they be missing out on if they didn't have WGA, windows updates, defender, one care, etc. blackmail on the windows update front.

That is a withdrawal of functionality as a result of having WGA so no advantage there them, this has also effected some with genuine copy of windows not just illegal or duped by sellers (but not it seems the major pirates).
</soapbox>