Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microsoft DRM To Get Even Tighter

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the schmair-use dept.

Toreo asesino writes, "Microsoft is tightening the screws on their up & coming DRM platform. First, Windows Media Player 11 removes the right to move music from one machine to another. According to their website, WMP11 'does not permit you to back up your media usage rights (previously known as licenses).' Worse, if you rip your own CDs and the 'Copy protect music' option is turned on, WMP11 will require you to 'connect to a Microsoft Web page that explains how to restore your rights a limited number of times.'" The Inquirer has an even more jaundiced take on Microsoft's turn of the thumbscrew.

3 of 536 comments (clear)

  1. Ahem... by tomstdenis · · Score: 5, Informative

    You don't have to use WMP to rip CDs you know?

    This is really a moot issue. I mean I hate Microsoft and all that they are, but seriously, just don't use WMP.

    Tom

    --
    Someday, I'll have a real sig.
    1. Re:Ahem... by omeg · · Score: 5, Informative

      I don't think that it's really an option to say to the users of WMP that they should switch. Afterall, most people who do are casual users who would simply like things to work without thinking about "better alternatives". The kind that uses Internet Explorer.

      If Microsoft can get their DRM in with those people, it won't be long before it'll be used on an even larger scale. Instead of fighting to stop DRM from ever seeing the light of day (already a lost cause), you will be fighting to get its large scale usage abolished. And these people who use WMP: they're not going to switch. Ever. Microsoft should just stop using these tactics.

    2. Re:Ahem... by ncc74656 · · Score: 5, Informative
      It's Called MdiaPlayerClassic but it's not M$ And when it's installed with the K-Lite codec pack it rocks !

      Codec packs can be dangerous. ffdshow handles nearly everything all by itself, is just one codec to install, and is free-as-in-speech.

      --
      20 January 2017: the End of an Error.