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Free Copy of the Sims 2 Contains SecuROM

Posted by Unknown on from the get-your-free-rootkits dept.

dotarray (1747900) writes By now, everybody should know that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Let's apply that to EA, shall we? The publisher is giving away copies of The Sims 2: Ultimate Collection, for free... and not mentioning that it includes the controversial SecuROM anti-piracy software. Nobody likes SecuROM.

48 of 234 comments (clear)

  1. SecuROM racket by smittyoneeach · · Score: 5, Funny

    SecuROM racket
    Despite how you stack it
    Like a beard on a girl
    They just want to hack it
    Burma Shave

    --
    Get thee glass eyes, and, like a scurvy politician, seem to see things thou dost not.--King Lear
  2. Anti-piracy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So, tell me, what do you mean with anti-piracy? Does it help against evil people in boats comandeering unarmed trade ships? So then must be something good.

    Or have you meant Digital Restrictions Management?

    1. Re: Anti-piracy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      I don't need a boat analogy. I need a car analogy.

    2. Re: Anti-piracy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      I don't need a boat analogy. I need a car analogy.

      Yeah, but you wouldn't download a car analogy, would you?

    3. Re: Anti-piracy by Therad · · Score: 2

      I often download car analogies from /.

    4. Re:Anti-piracy by rossdee · · Score: 2

      "quit whining about how the meaning of words change in everyday use. Other wise we would have to send all Americans back to elementary school to learn to spell colour and that it's an 's' and not a 'zee' in most words."

      The last letter in the English alphabet is a Zed

    5. Re:Anti-piracy by Immerman · · Score: 2

      Thief implies that there is a theft occurring, which is legally false. They are guilty of copyright infringement, nothing more. If they share copies they become an unauthorized distributor, but that's still something with no legal relationship to theft.

      --
      --- Most topics have many sides worth arguing, allow me to take one opposite you.
    6. Re:Anti-piracy by Immerman · · Score: 2

      Forget the "mantras", I'm not trying to justify piracy - I'm talking law. By law copyright infringement is a crime unrelated to theft, only the major publishers are busy trying to blur the line. But they'd probably be dissapointed if they managed it - after all something can only be stolen from you once...

        I quite agree that artists deserve to be compensated for their work if they can manage it, but if you're going to call copyright infringement theft, then you should call imprisonment murder - after all you're depriving someone of a piece of their self-determined life.

      --
      --- Most topics have many sides worth arguing, allow me to take one opposite you.
  3. Does anyone have a link by Anarchduke · · Score: 5, Insightful

    to a pirated version of this free software? I only ask becuase the pirated version wont have securom and will work better.

    --
    who prays for Satan? Who in 18 centuries has had the humanity to pray for the 1 sinner that needed it most? ~Mark Twain
    1. Re:Does anyone have a link by perryizgr8 · · Score: 2

      https://ThePirateBay.se

      ftfy if you are in india (:

      --
      Wealth is the gift that keeps on giving.
  4. So what? by Racemaniac · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Is there any convention about mentioning anywhere which protection softwares your software is using??
    i get it that some people don't like securom, but is it any surprise that even free versions contain it because the probably couldn't be bothered to remove it before making it free?

    1. Re:So what? by gstoddart · · Score: 3, Insightful

      You know, after the Sony rootkit issue, I do kind of expect vendors to be up front about this.

      Because, "hey, here's our software, oh, it might wreck your computer" is kind of a big deal.

      These companies feel entitled to install all sorts of crap on your machine. But, this being EA, it's already crap.

      They really should be required to tell you the extra crap they're installing, because it has the potential to really fsck up your computer.

      --
      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    2. Re:So what? by X0563511 · · Score: 2

      You're missing the point entirely.

      The problem is that it is there. Period. End of story.

      --
      For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
    3. Re:So what? by rogoshen1 · · Score: 2

      why in the fucking fuck do they need DRM on something they're giving away for free.
      answer that, please.

    4. Re:So what? by Khyber · · Score: 2

      "Is there any convention about mentioning anywhere which protection softwares your software is using??"

      Well, one of my settlement agreement terms with EA was that they're supposed to inform every consumer upfront about SecuROM.

      If they're not doing that, they're in breach of our settlement agreement and I'm going to fucking end them in court.

      --
      Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
  5. Anybody know? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Given that this is EA we are talking about, I can definitely believe that they'd somehow manage to be paranoid about 'piracy' of a game they are giving away. However, since it's also an older game(pre "Origin" store/client/pox-on-humanity and originally distributed largely on retail disks) and being given away it would be unsurprising if as little effort as possible was put into modifications for the new distribution.

    Does anybody know how deeply baked-in SecuROM has to be? Would the developer/publisher have a 'clean' version that is then put through some sort of SecuROM conversion step, or would you have to go further back, and deeper, into the development process to cleanly rip it out?

    I'm baffled at why including it would be worth much (especially if the license agreement involves any sort of volume-based payment, which would likely wipe out any minor benefits in audience tracking); but if it is sufficiently difficult to rip out then it would be understandable why EA wouldn't bother doing so(aside from just being evil).

    1. Re:Anybody know? by RogueyWon · · Score: 5, Interesting

      So... genuine question...

      What does SecuROM actually do to your system and what are the implications?

      The wikipedia article, beyond a floating comment that SecuROM isn't uninstalled when the game is uninstalled, is basically silent on this. In fact, let's break it down into a series of further questions?

      - Does SecuROM cause security vulnerabilities on PCs on which it is installed?

      - Does SecuROM prevent applications - other than pirated copies of the game it is supposed to "protect" - from functioning on PCs on which it is installed?

      - Does SecuROM create any kind of "always on" background process that consumes resources and potentially reduces performance on PCs on which it is installed?

      If the answer to any of the above is "yes" then obviously there is a fairly major problem here. If the answer to all of the above is "no", then I'm not quite sure what people are getting upset about given that we are talking about a free game (SecuROM being bundled with paid-for games is another issue entirely).

      And to emphasise, I genuinely don't know the answers to the above and can't work them out from the links in TFA.

    2. Re:Anybody know? by bickerdyke · · Score: 5, Insightful

      - Does SecuROM cause security vulnerabilities on PCs on which it is installed?

      Adding a method to hide processes running on your system may be considered a security vulnerability. Such systems are usually used only by malware and legitimate software should NOT use any technology to counter the work of anti-virus software. Either your antivirus is weakend (which should be considered a security vulnerability) or "real" malware might also hide under the "invisibility cloak" set up by SecuROM to hide itself.

      SecuROm may not be a security threat in itself, but it uses typical malware patterns and generally weakens your system security.

      - Does SecuROM prevent applications - other than pirated copies of the game it is supposed to "protect" - from functioning on PCs on which it is installed?

      OK, I'm recounting a user report on forum from years ago from the back of my memory here, so take this paragraph with a grain of salt: (may have been a similar copy protection system, if not exactly SecuROM)

      I remember a user reporting a broken DVD writer. He bought a new one and replaced the "malfunctioning" drive only to find out that the new drive was also "broken". Turned out it was a DRM system that blocked the DVD writer and that user threw away a perfectly functioning DVD writer. Actual monetary damage here.

      - Does SecuROM create any kind of "always on" background process that consumes resources and potentially reduces performance on PCs on which it is installed?

      If it is not uninstalled with the software, it permanently eats up ressources that can't be reclaimed by the legitimate owner by uninstalling, as it is hiding itself from the computers software/process management system. (see "rootKit" in #1) As it is hidden, there is no indication that any problem showing up years after the deinstallation of a computer game (#2) might still be connected to a residual software component (read: garbage) from a casual game from a few years ago.

      If the answer to any of the above is "yes" then obviously there is a fairly major problem here. If the answer to all of the above is "no", then I'm not quite sure what people are getting upset about given that we are talking about a free game (SecuROM being bundled with paid-for games is another issue entirely).

      No. ESPESCIALLY for free games. Why add copy protection to free stuff anyway? It's free to begin with! No one needs or wants to "pirate" it. Unless of course you need a "pirated" copy of the game to keep the negative SecuROM effects from your system.

      --
      bickerdyke
    3. Re:Anybody know? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Firsthand experience here: I ended up with SecuROM I think from one of the Prince of Persia games, and from that point forward no DVD drive would work with that computer until I nuked the HD flat and completely reinstalled windows. I didn't throw my DVD drive away, but I probably did spend 20 ro 30 hours trying to diagnose it and reinstalling windows.

    4. Re:Anybody know? by Talderas · · Score: 3, Informative

      No. ESPESCIALLY for free games. Why add copy protection to free stuff anyway? It's free to begin with! No one needs or wants to "pirate" it. Unless of course you need a "pirated" copy of the game to keep the negative SecuROM effects from your system.

      Because everyone and their mother didn't pay attention to what actually happened. EA provides The Sims 2 through Origin at a cost. They are currently giving copies of the game away, through Origin, if you use a redemption code which is only valid through July 31st. After that date, you will have to go back to paying for the game if you want to acquire it. You could also acquire the game right now without the redemption code, you'll just have to pay for it. So the game isn't permanently free, it's temporarily free, and it's using the exact same distribution method and version that the not-free version of The Sims 2 uses.

      --
      "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
    5. Re:Anybody know? by JohhnyTHM · · Score: 2

      OK, I'm recounting a user report on forum from years ago from the back of my memory here, so take this paragraph with a grain of salt: (may have been a similar copy protection system, if not exactly SecuROM) I remember a user reporting a broken DVD writer. He bought a new one and replaced the "malfunctioning" drive only to find out that the new drive was also "broken". Turned out it was a DRM system that blocked the DVD writer and that user threw away a perfectly functioning DVD writer. Actual monetary damage here.

      This may have been me on /. a few years ago, but it was with StarForce rather then SecuRom.
      PC started running like crap after installing X3, so I decided to backup my music, photos and game files onto DVD. Every one failed. After much searching I found a website with an answer - a StarForce remover. Used that and my DVD started working again. Also my PC started running normally again. I have never bought a game with this kind of intrusive DRM since. The only way to get the message across is stop giving these people money, or better still, sue the bastards. Stopping people from backing up their photos because you are paranoid about piracy is not acceptable.

    6. Re:Anybody know? by LoRdTAW · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I remember when Crysis came out it was secured with SuckROM. The idea was you inserted the DVD and SuckROM would verify the DVD was in the drive and the game would start, most of the time.

      During the process of running crysis.exe securom would start and your mouse cursor would have this colorful CD icon attached to it. If securom failed to work properly (crash) which was every 1 in 3 or 4 times, the mouse cursor would stay a disco ball looking CD and your CD/DVD drive was rendered inoperable. A reboot was the only solution to solving it.

      After a week of that I downloaded a cracked exe for a game I legally bought with my hard earned cash. And you wonder why the consumer hates DRM. That is part of the reason intrusive, rootkit like DRM needs to die in a fire.

    7. Re:Anybody know? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Are you honestly equating process separation in multi-user OSes with rootkits?

    8. Re:Anybody know? by Joel+Cahoon · · Score: 2
      Don't worry, my friend, everything is alright:

      No, SecuROM does not damage a computer in any way.

      SecuROM Frequently Asked Questions

      There's absolutely nothing to worry about here; move along, now.

    9. Re:Anybody know? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      I don't know about all versions of windows, but in at least some of them you can see all the processes, you just can't directly affect ones from other users.

      Not when a root-kit is in the kernel and masking certain processes from the standard APIs.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit#Kernel_mode

      "Kernel-mode rootkits run with the highest operating system privileges (Ring 0) by adding code or replacing portions of the core operating system, including both the kernel and associated device drivers. Most operating systems support kernel-mode device drivers, which execute with the same privileges as the operating system itself. As such, many kernel-mode rootkits are developed as device drivers or loadable modules, such as loadable kernel modules in Linux or device drivers in Microsoft Windows. This class of rootkit has unrestricted security access, but is more difficult to write.[27] The complexity makes bugs common, and any bugs in code operating at the kernel level may seriously impact system stability, leading to discovery of the rootkit.[27] One of the first widely known kernel rootkits was developed for Windows NT 4.0 and released in Phrack magazine in 1999 by Greg Hoglund.[28][29][30]

      "Kernel rootkits can be especially difficult to detect and remove because they operate at the same security level as the operating system itself, and are thus able to intercept or subvert the most trusted operating system operations. Any software, such as antivirus software, running on the compromised system is equally vulnerable.[31] In this situation, no part of the system can be trusted.

      "A rootkit can modify data structures in the Windows kernel using a method known as direct kernel object manipulation (DKOM).[32] This method can be used to hide processes. A kernel mode rootkit can also hook the System Service Descriptor Table (SSDT), or modify the gates between user mode and kernel mode, in order to cloak itself.[3] Similarly for the Linux operating system, a rootkit can modify the system call table to subvert kernel functionality.[33] It's common that a rootkit creates a hidden, encrypted filesystem in which it can hide other malware or original copies of files it has infected.[34]"

  6. Who cares? by ildon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It's free. If you don't like SecuROM, don't install the game. If someone hates SecuROM so much, they probably hate Origin even more, so this seems kind of moot.

    1. Re:Who cares? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Citation needed, otherwise you're a hateful hatemongering hater.

    2. Re:Who cares? by Sycraft-fu · · Score: 5, Interesting

      No kidding. And sims 2 has ALWAYS had SecuROM in it. They just didn't feel like taking the time to patch it out. While I'm a firm believer that DRM is a waste of time and money on the game company's part, there's no massive conspiracy here. They used SecuROM when they released Sims 2 (it was released in 2004, they used SecuROM a lot with games then) and they haven't bothered to redo it because, well, it is old and they just don't wanna spend the time.

      Fair enough, particularly for free.

      Plus the nerd rage over it is really overblown. Turns out when there's a problem with something, sometimes companies listen and fix things. So last SecuROM game I played was Battlefield Bad Company 2. It was not problematic at all in my experience. You had to activate it one time online and it then ran without checks or ever going online again. You got a certain number of activations, 5 or 10 I think, but not only could you deactivate it, with a tool or automatically during uninstall, but they would replenish automatically over time. So unless you were doing a ton of reinstalls and not deactivating it was really unlikely you'd have an issue.

      Silly to include DRM in my opinion, particularly for a game mostly played online, but not at all onerous on the user.

      People seriously need to chill about this shit. Support DRM free games when there's a version available (GOG is a good site, please not Steam is not DRM free, Steamworks is DRM) but don't rage and whine if there's DRM and the DRM isn't a problem. Yes it is silly and a waste of money, but don't act like it is some massive issue if it is not.

      If a game has some "always on" DRM bullshit that shuts it off if the connection goes down? Ya that's a reason to get mad and not buy it. If it has a DRM that wants to activate once and then fucks off? Oh get over it, you probably have to get online ones to patch the thing anyhow. Just jump through the hoop and go on about your business.

    3. Re:Who cares? by GuB-42 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It's free. If you don't like SecuROM, don't install the game.

      It would be a valid argument if there were a clear mention of SecuROM before you install the game.

    4. Re:Who cares? by KingOfBLASH · · Score: 4, Insightful

      YES!

      There is no right to a game designed the way you would want to design it. Your right is to vote with your wallets. If the second companies instituted DRM everyone stopped buying their products, then companies would not see DRM as a valid business model.

    5. Re:Who cares? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      The difference between Steam and SecuROM is that when Steam fucks up, I can't play my game.

      When SecuROM 7 fucked up, I couldn't use my DVD burner.

      It's not as bad as Starforce, but that's not saying much.

  7. Re:Could be worse by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 4, Funny

    This EA: you only get StarForce if you pre-order at select retail partners or buy the launch-day DLC...

  8. Just enjoy the game by jones_supa · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Other websites: Celebrating the free release of a classic game.

    Slashdot: Angry DRM rant.

    1. Re:Just enjoy the game by mwvdlee · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Other websites: Celebrating the surrepitous distribution of DRM malware.

      Slashdot: Angry DRM malware rant.

      --
      Slashdot social media options: AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, Jabber and Mobile Text. Why no MySpace?
  9. Re:Could be worse by arbiter1 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Yea also you got it for free if you had the promo code so can't really bitch about the DRM in it.

  10. Re:Could be worse by JosKarith · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "Here's a free ice lolly. What's that, you found that I froze a turd inside it? Well you got it for free so you have no right to complain..."
    Nice logic, man.

    --
    'Don't worry' said the trees when they saw the axe coming, 'The handle is one of us.'
  11. Re:Could be worse by flyneye · · Score: 3, Insightful

    They could add DRM to the ISO at any time during production. So, I wouldn't count StarForce out, just yet.

    --
    *Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
  12. Re:Could be worse by kyldere · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You forgot to mention that the guy handing out the ice lollies has been convicted several times in the past for putting turds in them...

  13. Re:Could be worse by AmiMoJo · · Score: 2

    Dude, you missed a trick with that one.

    "Here's a free ice lolly. So what if it's made of frosty piss, it's free isn't it!?!"

    Would have been even better if it was the frosty piss, I mean frist post, I mean first post.

    --
    const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
    SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  14. Re:Could be worse by TheP4st · · Score: 5, Informative

    you got it for free if you had the promo code so can't really bitch about the DRM in it.

    If I have not been (clearly) informed of it's presence and implications by the publisher I certainly can and so should any person that consider themselves the owner of their machine when it is DRM that is known to:
    - Generate false positives on authentic discs.
    - Create files and reg keys that you cannot access/remove as admin.
    - Snoop on your software usage 24/7.
    - Conflict with debugging software and in some instances even require debuggers to be un-installed in order for you to play the game.
    - Remain installed after you have un-installed the game.

    --
    "I have downloaded hundreds and hundreds of records, why would I care if somebody downloads ours?" Robin Pecknold
  15. Re:Which Anti-Virus Suites detect that Trojan Hors by TheP4st · · Score: 3, Informative

    It can be removed but not without quite a bit of hassle. http://www.reclaimyourgame.com...

    --
    "I have downloaded hundreds and hundreds of records, why would I care if somebody downloads ours?" Robin Pecknold
  16. Re:I know it's cliche but... by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Insightful

    No, this is EA, assume malice, because EA are assholes who don't give a rats ass about their customers or what they do to them.

    --
    Lost at C:>. Found at C.
  17. Colorize by tepples · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Except that in the cases you cite, etymology supports the American spelling. There was no 'u' in "color" in Latin, and there was no 's' in the Greek root that became English "-ize". Oxford University Press uses "-ize".

  18. Re:Could be worse by SailorSpork · · Score: 2

    This same version of Sims 2 DX was given to anyone who has registered any Sims 2 software on Origin. It, in fact, replaced any pre-existing Sims 2 version(s) you had as they were "no longer supported." As one of these people, this is basically bait-and-switch because my old version of Sims without drastic DRM is "no longer supported."

    Or to use a car analogy, if the fact that it was given away to everyone else when I already owned it was kind of a slap in the face, the DRM was a slap in the face with a smelly fish that had a nail bat hidden in it.

  19. Re:Could be worse by gmack · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Lets see how this compares to Canada's new anti spam law since EA has offices in Vancouver and Montreal.

    you got it for free if you had the promo code so can't really bitch about the DRM in it.

    If I have not been (clearly) informed of it's presence and implications by the publisher

    10.(3) A person who seeks express consent for the doing of any act described in section 8 must, when requesting consent, also, in addition to setting out any other prescribed information, clearly and simply describe, in general terms, the function and purpose of the computer program that is to be installed if the consent is given.

    I certainly can and so should any person that consider themselves the owner of their machine when it is DRM that is known to:

    - Generate false positives on authentic discs.

    - Create files and reg keys that you cannot access/remove as admin.

    - Snoop on your software usage 24/7.

    - Conflict with debugging software and in some instances even require debuggers to be un-installed in order for you to play the game.

    (5) A function referred to in subsection (4) is any of the following functions that the person who seeks express consent knows and intends will cause the computer system to operate in a manner that is contrary to the reasonable expectations of the owner or an authorized user of the computer system:

    (a) collecting personal information stored on the computer system;

    (b) interfering with the owner’s or an authorized user’s control of the computer system;

    (c) changing or interfering with settings, preferences or commands already installed or stored on the computer system without the knowledge of the owner or an authorized user of the computer system;

    (d) changing or interfering with data that is stored on the computer system in a manner that obstructs, interrupts or interferes with lawful access to or use of that data by the owner or an authorized user of the computer system;

    - Remain installed after you have un-installed the game.

    11 (5) A person who has the express consent of an owner or authorized user to do any act described in section 8 must

    (a) for a period of one year after any computer program that performs one or more of the functions described in subsection 10(5) but not referred to in subsection 10(6) is installed under the consent, ensure that the person who gave their consent is provided with an electronic address to which they may, if they believe that the function, purpose or impact of the computer program installed under the consent was not accurately described when consent was requested, send a request to remove or disable that computer program; and

    (b) if the consent was based on an inaccurate description of the material elements of the function or functions described in subsection 10(5), on receipt within that one-year period of a request to remove or disable that computer program, without cost to the person who gave consent, assist that person in removing or disabling the computer program as soon as feasible.

    20 (4) The maximum penalty for a violation is $1,000,000 in the case of an individual, and $10,000,000 in the case of any other person.

    Any Canadians affected by this feel like filing a complaint?

  20. Average EA customer's take on the issue by idontgno · · Score: 2
    Homer Simpson has agreed to download this free software for Bart's birthday

    Electronic Arts: Take this software, but beware it carries a terrible DRM!

    Homer: Ooh, that's bad.

    Shopkeeper: But it comes with a free frogurt!

    Homer: That's good.

    Shopkeeper: The frogurt is also cursed.

    Homer: That's bad.

    Shopkeeper: But you get your choice of toppings.

    Homer: That's good!

    Shopkeeper: The toppings contain potassium benzoate.

    [Homer looks puzzled]

    Shopkeeper: ...That's bad.

    Homer: Can I go now?

    --
    Welcome to the Panopticon. Used to be a prison, now it's your home.
  21. Software freedom is worth caring about by jbn-o · · Score: 2

    People who care about controlling their computers care, as should all computer users care. This is another instance in a long line of great learning opportunities to distinguish between 'free as in price' and 'free as in freedom'—software proprietors get away with malware because how the software works is kept secret from its users. TFA tells us that Electronic Arts didn't tell prospective users SecuROM was a part of the gratis Sims 2 install, probably because EA knew users wouldn't install Sims 2 if they knew it came with SecuROM. Proprietors abuse the trust users have placed in them and it's time to teach users how things actually work, not encourage dismissal that hands users over to the abusers ("who cares").

    --
    Digital Citizen
  22. Re:I know it's cliche but... by edawstwin · · Score: 2

    No, EA cares a great deal about their customers - they couldn't stay in business without them. It's just that most of EA's customers don't give a rats ass about what EA does to them.

    --
    I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it by not dying. - Woody Allen