An ArsTechnica article talks about Sony’s new Digital Rights Manangement which has been in the news a lot. Apart of this neat little infringment operation is the Sony Rootkit which lawsuits have followed. Here are few more articles regarding this fun via: System Internals The Register, Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Why does this really bother me. Well, infringing on my fair use of music that I have bought. If I buy something I have the right to use it as I see fit as long as I do make copies and sell it or give copies of it away. They are saying they I can only play the CD on devices that they deem worthy and safe. I cannot make a back up copy or rip it to MP3 and keep it on my computer to listen to. The other reason that this really bothers me is because this is found on Coldplay CD’s which is one of my wife’s favorite bands.

Here is a copy of DRM notice and Googled articles on Sony DRM. Read about it.

Thank you very much for purchasing this CD and helping the cause of “Anti-Piracy.” The recordings in this CD have an anti-copying function. They cannot be copied into a PC. In order for you to enjoy high quality music, we have added this special technology.

• Some CD players that have the capability of burning into an MP3 (such as portable players or car stereos).
• Some CD players that possess CD-R/RW functions (such as portable players or car stereos).
• Some car stereos with satellite “Guidance” systems
• Some CD players or car stereos with hard disk recording capacity
• Some CD-R/RW Recorders used for music
• Some portable CD players
• Some DVD players
• Some CD/LD Convertible Players
• Some Game Players
• Although you can use your PC’s Windows program to listen to certain tracks, this does not mean that the CD can be played in all PCs.
• The first time that this program is used (in Windows automatic starter software) it gets registered in Windows File. Thus, programs already registered to not affect Windows operations.
• Windows OS also uses the latest files.
• This CD does not support Macintosh PC software.
• Except for manufacturing problems, we do not accept product exchange, return, or refund.

Fortunately, it appears that the EFF has written a letter to them and Sony has responded. It appears that they will allow you to exchange the CD at the place where you bought it for a non-copy protected CD as well as a giving you a few other options such as patching or removing the rootkit. Know what your options are.

I cannot live without my cell phone. I sleep with it, shower with it. Hell, I even have sex with it. (Not like that you sick-o’s!!) So when a cell phone goes bad all the time it is a source of anxiety and stress. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to have the LG LX5550 cell phone which has fortunately been recalled and replaced with the LG UX4750 for those customers that have had to have it in for servicing 2 times or more. I was so happy to hear this. I was afraid I was going to have to live with the possibility of living with a phone that only partially worked for the duration of the contract once the phone broke again after the warranty expired.

The first time it broke it was a power supply problem, then a speaker problem, and this time it was the external screen thingy. After some paperwork is routed I will trade in the LG UX4750 for a Comparable Nokia. My 2 previous phones were Nokias and I have only had problems when I drop them into a puddle of water (Imagine that!) so the prospect of staying with an LG phone does not sit well with me. Fortunately US Cellular is going to work me to get me into a Nokia. Yea!

Tel3Advatage Good! World Link Bad! In the fight for retaining interntional long distance service World Link has failed to retain not only me but some of my wife and our friends as well.

We have many people that we need to keep in close contact with overseas, specifically Belarus, and iffy connections are not what we need. We have enough things to add stress to our days and not being able to get ahold of family and friends overseas is not one that we need.

Tel3 has much better support and call quality, as well las the ability to look at your account on line. If you are making international calls and the likes of Skype are not a real possibility then give Tel3 a try. If you have consistant internet access then give Skype a try. Free is good! Very good!