[ Thanks to Tom for
this link. ]
“Recently unveiled antipiracy measures aimed at eliminating
even casual copying of software have some experts questioning
whether companies have gone too far in controlling the use of their
copyrighted material. “It means that I can’t use the software
in any way I want to, regardless if it is legally permitted or
not,” said Jennifer Granick, director of Stanford University’s
Center for Internet and Society.”
“Microsoft revealed last week that it will use so-called Product
Activation technology in its next consumer version of Windows,
code-named Whistler, to limit each application to one computer. The
technology requires each user to register the software over the
Internet or by phone. The development mimics what is happening in
other industries.”
“All the technologies will shut out non-authorized users, which
may be defined as a second machine (even if owned by the authorized
user) or making an extra copy. In Microsoft’s case, the Product
Activation technology–which will also be used to restrict the
next-generation Office 10–will also require registration.”