yeah, but still, that has been done before and it really isn't all the clever... I mean using spaces to hide the real extention? It is very amateurish and will only "fool" amateurs.
-next we'll see an exploit that redirects a user to "auto-update" (or "drizzle" ??) to a nefarious website (rather than MS) that installs all sorts of back doors and vulnerabilities, leaving the box wide open!
BTW- whenever I hear the word "appliances," I envision a nightmarish world of tying to get the dishwasher to work amidst a storm of DOS attacks... or the house burning down because hackers made it into the oven (where I hid all those dirty dishes)... or all the wasted food from the email virus that defrosted the fridge, or waking up in the middle of the night in a sweat because someone turned the heat to 95
The post office has taken steps towards irradiating mail. Maybe more ISPs need to "irradiate" email.
The consumer-level answer (repeated like a mantra) of course is to use anti-virus software, and I find it interesting (and conspicuous) that MS has stayed out of the anti-virus racket- but I suppose one cannot integrate AV software into the OS.
It still boils down to individual "responsibility"- at home I run no AV software on my windows box, and I've never had a problem. I'm no windows apologist, but the fact remains that most people treat their PCs as if they are leaving their keys in the car, garage door unlocked, etc... I mean, it certainly is more "convenient" to ignore any security precaution in actual life (think airport)- but is it safe? And is it at all convenient to clean up after a security breech?
Windows *has* most of the tools for a reasonable level of security if only people educate themselves and use them. The widespread problems people experience, such as this, boil down to NOT opening unknown attachments- which is email 101. This STILL boils down to an.exe attachment... it is boring. Show me an actual.txt file that can do some damage and I'm interested!
Is I get a ton of JUNK MAIL because of my domain name registrations (you know the type- low cost web hosting, etc....).
I especially hate the spam that doesn't even contain my address as the addressee... like it is to: asdflksdfou80@hotmail.com and it is full of fake headers.
My new work email address was full of spam before I even configured the account- on an address that had never been used. I don't get it.
(I DID read the entire article when it first came out)-
Whether it is genetic, or environmental ("odd" socialization that is somehow "learned" by children) it really doesn't matter, the outcome is the same.
What concerns me the most is how "disease theory" operates, and how certain diseases (especially mental disorders) become "in vogue." This goes all the way back to Freud (say what you will)- but as a newly emerging middle class had more "idle time" on their hands, and as newly affluent wives developed widely publicized anxiety disorders, the disorder eventually trickled down to the rest of the population.
-not to mention of diagnosis by practioneers is practically contagious.
I work in the field, and have seen wild diagnostic trends- in the 80s we saw an explosion in the diagnosis of depression and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). In the early 90s MPD (multiple personalities) was widely diagnosed (way above the prevalence rates shown by any "hard research"- and now MPD is not even in the diagnostic manual). Then we've seen the diagnosis of everything under the sun for our children- (ADD, ADHD, ODD, it goes on and on... BTW- ODD stands for "Oppositional Defiant Disorder"- these are just KIDS were talking about here! All kids can be ODD.).
For many parents it is ultimately "cool" to have a kid with a diagnosis... it lets them off the hook. It lets educators off the hook. How many of you went to primary school in the 70s and sat in a class of 30+ and were taught by a 60+ year old ex-nun with a two-year teaching certificate who had absolutely NO PROBLEM maintaining discipline in the classroom?
Aspergers IS relatively new as a *widespread* diagnosis- it is in essence a "disease of the week." After the inevitable backlash, we'll be having this discussion about some other "disorder" and Aspergers will be an odd footnote of early 21st Century child psychology.
(Like this isn't completely obvious) Commercial Aviation hasn't changed much either (since the late 50s).
I don't know if it is more reassuring that I'm flying in a 30+ year old plane that has a tried and true design. Or- is the plane old and ready to fall apart? I doubt many parts are even close to original these days anyway.
I hate "crippleware"
on
Sony vs Modchips
·
· Score: 4, Insightful
...especially if it is HARDWARE!
If a "mod chip" is all that it takes to play "pirated" software, maybe they need to take a look at their copy protection scheme...
My question is whether the "regional issue" involves pricing or something else? Are titles selling at a price commensurate with the local economy? Would Sony LOSE money if these titles were imported through the "grey market" ? Or are they trying to protect the distribution infrastructure of various countries?
Imagine the implications if a company like Sony used virtually NO copyprotection and sold an item at a reasonable price... might not the sheer increase in volume of sales off-set the marginal effects of piracy? People have a finite amount of money they spend on games, music, movies, whatever... and the price merely determines HOW MANY of these items you actually purchase (for a relatively honest consumer). The same companies receive the same amounts of money (it's not like there are that many companies involved).
Whenever people talk about how much money is LOST to piracy, I always am left thinking that the money was never there in the first place- that those "pirates" would never have purchased the item anyway... so protection does more to piss off honest consumers than to increase revenue. How many ordinary people actually take the time or effort to mod a console (or overclock a PC) ?
Finally, if this regional protection issue gets out of hand, we'll all be purchasing items that will eventually only play on one machine.
(or rather deja vu?)... although wrapped in red-white-blue bunting.
Qwest was sued locally for taking their sweet time setting up DSL that was run through different ISPs (then sold all their ISP customers down the river to MSN). There have been all sorts of problems as well with local phone service that is provided by "competing" companies- which oddly all seem for business, not residential service.
I'm sitting here wondering (and unable to access the NYT story) if a utility carries any insurance for such disasters.
Finally, I'm morbidly amused at how airlines that were struggling BEFORE 911 have been (relatively) bailed out... while a local ad agency who's primary clients involve the travel industry had mass layoffs- no charitable aid for those employees (the ripple traveled far and wide).
The media has avoided talking politics or partisanship in their efforts to front a "unified America"- but Republicans have been longtime supporters of deregulation and corporate welfare. This is business as usual, but we all somehow feel better about it as we carpet bomb the Taliban (as if shady business practices are bin Laden's fault).
I won't rehash the idea that a MS owned site might arguably use an MS log-in called Passport.
I won't rehash the notion that MS software CAN be activated by PHONE (many offices do not allow internet access to everyone... or people would be checking the status of the ebay aucions all day).
Sure MS *can* track a ton of info by using Passport... but the sheer volume of info would be overwhelming, and I doubt they possess the sophistication to present the info in any meaningful way... a few years ago they were practically using pen and paper in their accounting dept!
I don't use the Zone, don't use hotmail, use an ebay login rather than passport... big deal.
I set up a passport account several months ago for the hell of it (no CC info) and I find it very difficult to use. My usual user name was taken, it didn't like my password (so I had to use something I can never remember) and I found the entire experience to be less than "user friendly" and haven't used it since... big deal.
All this talk of privacy is bizarre... with my DSL with a static IP, it wouldn't take that much to determine who I am anyway... much less the fact that I'm also logged in... so what if I create an anonymous passport account?
I game at Westwood, and my login is compared to my game's serial number (in the event they ever need to bar me for inappropriate "game chat"). I'm guessing I could purchase a new game or purloin a serial number and set up a new ID should that ever occur... big deal- but it is a type of "authentication scheme."
It is paranoid to think passport will "take over the world"- most businesses have margins so tight they would not even consider paying MS a fee to use passport, and what user wants to pay a fee for the "convenience"- and certainly MS will eventually have their hand out for some sort of cut for whatever transactions occur using it. I seriously doubt your utility company is using MS for their billing, etc. Last I checked you can use pen and paper to automatically pay utilities by CC... they don't need MS or passport.
Somebody needs to develop a disposable (as in NOT attached to a personal account) and anonymous standard of microcurrency that can be electronically transmitted (the equivalent of old fashioned CASH). I know many old farts who still refuse to give CC info over the net (or make online purchases). The public at large (as in beyond slashdot) is more uncomfortable about all this than most people here give them credit (people may be sheep about using MS products, but not necessarily about giving out CC info). The general public, while stupid or misinformed at times, is very paranoid about security issues, viruses, etc... and like it or not, a subscription-based game service does require a financial transaction (which pretty much eliminates privacy for the average user).
Finally, back to the original topic... MS's migration to passport at the Zone was anything BUT smooth- not a good business example to use to sell the service to others. MS definitely does NOT have a monopoly on gaming or gamesites... There will ALWAYS be alternatives. MSN bought out my ISP- so I switched... a little inconvenience, but not a big deal.
"College Radio" ?? How many RIAA major label acts ARE there on "college radio" anyway?
An artist on a truly indie label or an artist with self-released material receives no compensation for radio play anyway (and much of college radio consists of this type of material).
The most ironic aspect of all is that we EASILY have the technology to track and pay the actual performers for either broadcast or webcast WITHOUT pooling the money the way the present system operates. We can arguably track even the number of LISTENERS of webcasts.
Perhaps this scenario will further a movement to create truly independent mechanisms for distributing and compensating artists/labels for material... that an alternative system will develop (that isn't ASCAP, BMI, RIAA, etc...). I doubt major label artists would feel much pain by NOT being included in college radio.
First of all, there is more than one way to skin a cat... the production costs (as has already been pointed out) cited in the article are outrageous. No "new artist" receives this level of money unless it is a totally pre-fab act (the type that "fronts" for a producer).
As a musician, I've entered into several "licensing agreements"- which are either exclusive or non-exclusive rights to use my material on CDs or in soundtracks... granted I perform electronic music, where artist development is rather non-existent, but I write what I want to write, and if the label wants it, they pay me- simple as that. I owe them nothing, there is no advance, and I am responsible for all production costs (which I do myself anyway). A licensing agreement allows me to be on multiple labels at once. Granted I'm dealing with a niche market, and full-length electronic CDs are not exactly best-sellers, and there are a handful of touring acts in this genre- but -imagine if everyone operated in this manner, that the artist assumed the "risk" and directly reaped the rewards. Would we be listening to the Backstreet Boys, Brittany Spears, etc..?
It is old news that labels pay for placement on playlists and for video exposure... sure, the videos may be wrapped around the myth of a groundswell such as "Total Request Live"- but songs are "top 40" for good reason (and this is legal- NOT payola).
I seriously DOUBT that labels assume much risk at all with new artists. They have lower budgets, and labels often recoup money through overseas sales or tours. The risk comes with taking an AGING star such as Mr. Jagger, who sells less than a thousand copies of his solo venture on "opening day." Or the risk comes with a huge deal to lure a "star" with dubious appeal away from another label. Labels carefully hedge their bets by stripping away any artistic license from artists who are unknown quantities.
There were some jabs taken at retailers in this thread. I take issue: retailers are in an excellent position when selling music. There is practically NO RETURN POLICY and very little in the way of demoing a CD. If the CD sucks, "too bad!" Combine that with the fact that many folks want a song or two off an otherwise sucky CD and we see why Napster was what it was. This has less to do with the nature of digital media and more to do with marketing. If a record label actually added something of value to a CD (other than the music itself) maybe people would be less inclined to burn a copy of a friend's CD.
Finally, there are really only FOUR big labels in existence (if my memory serves me). This is as close to a monopoly as it gets. Try establishing a decent distribution and product placement network with your startup label, and you will quickly see what an uphill battle you face. There simply isn't room in retail outlets for all the tiny indie labels- yet you can find the entire Nazareth or Black Sabbath library at most retail stores?! It makes no sense.
There will always be top-40 radio. But changes in technology have drastically reduced production expenses for the do-it-yourselfers and small labels. I have hope that distribution will eventually be decentralized from the big four (who will likely dig their own hole as they try to show hi-res surround sound DVD audio down our throats by re-selling us the music we already own on CD). At the rate they are going, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to charge the consumer on a "per-play" basis in their own home! I can't help but feel that the high markups on CDs are there to punish us all for all those Napster tracks on our hard drives. You can buy a movie for about the save cost as a CD. Explain that one to me!
what are there, like maybe FIVE companies that control the recording industry?
and like five more media conglomerates that control, say 85% of the airwaves.... ?
You do the math... is anyone surprised.
This has been a well known issue to anyone in the industry for years (obviously). It takes a "scandal" like this for it to resurface in the news. Don't worry. It will all be forgetten in a day or two.
A) if you buy a 'branded PC' they only bundle a recovery CD- so most real problems result in being told to reinstall everything- what a joke- at least 'warrantee tape' is almost extinct
B) PDF "help" is not user friendly, and manuals are usually outdated, or cursory in nature
C) challenge/response copyprotection... remembering those serial numbers (I usually write them on the discs... but I still have to find the disc).... hardware keys (dongles- yuck)... or HD keys (don't forget to remove them before switching boxes)- reinstalling to a new box is an enormous chore
D) I had to change ISPs to get DSL a few yrs ago, then the company changed their name, thereby changing my email address... do you know how difficult it is to prove I am a registered user when I suddenly have a new email address? Don't people ever change their physical addresses? Is this any different?
E) website knowledge base search engines generall suck, and if anyone has ever found what they need from a FAQ, let me know!
Slashdot Mirror
"Well, this looks just like a .txt in Outlook"-
yeah, but still, that has been done before and it really isn't all the clever... I mean using spaces to hide the real extention? It is very amateurish and will only "fool" amateurs.
-next we'll see an exploit that redirects a user to "auto-update" (or "drizzle" ??) to a nefarious website (rather than MS) that installs all sorts of back doors and vulnerabilities, leaving the box wide open!
BTW- whenever I hear the word "appliances," I envision a nightmarish world of tying to get the dishwasher to work amidst a storm of DOS attacks... or the house burning down because hackers made it into the oven (where I hid all those dirty dishes)... or all the wasted food from the email virus that defrosted the fridge, or waking up in the middle of the night in a sweat because someone turned the heat to 95
The post office has taken steps towards irradiating mail. Maybe more ISPs need to "irradiate" email.
.exe attachment... it is boring. Show me an actual .txt file that can do some damage and I'm interested!
The consumer-level answer (repeated like a mantra) of course is to use anti-virus software, and I find it interesting (and conspicuous) that MS has stayed out of the anti-virus racket- but I suppose one cannot integrate AV software into the OS.
It still boils down to individual "responsibility"- at home I run no AV software on my windows box, and I've never had a problem. I'm no windows apologist, but the fact remains that most people treat their PCs as if they are leaving their keys in the car, garage door unlocked, etc... I mean, it certainly is more "convenient" to ignore any security precaution in actual life (think airport)- but is it safe? And is it at all convenient to clean up after a security breech?
Windows *has* most of the tools for a reasonable level of security if only people educate themselves and use them. The widespread problems people experience, such as this, boil down to NOT opening unknown attachments- which is email 101. This STILL boils down to an
Is I get a ton of JUNK MAIL because of my domain name registrations (you know the type- low cost web hosting, etc....).
I especially hate the spam that doesn't even contain my address as the addressee... like it is to: asdflksdfou80@hotmail.com and it is full of fake headers.
My new work email address was full of spam before I even configured the account- on an address that had never been used. I don't get it.
(I DID read the entire article when it first came out)-
Whether it is genetic, or environmental ("odd" socialization that is somehow "learned" by children) it really doesn't matter, the outcome is the same.
What concerns me the most is how "disease theory" operates, and how certain diseases (especially mental disorders) become "in vogue." This goes all the way back to Freud (say what you will)- but as a newly emerging middle class had more "idle time" on their hands, and as newly affluent wives developed widely publicized anxiety disorders, the disorder eventually trickled down to the rest of the population.
-not to mention of diagnosis by practioneers is practically contagious.
I work in the field, and have seen wild diagnostic trends- in the 80s we saw an explosion in the diagnosis of depression and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). In the early 90s MPD (multiple personalities) was widely diagnosed (way above the prevalence rates shown by any "hard research"- and now MPD is not even in the diagnostic manual). Then we've seen the diagnosis of everything under the sun for our children- (ADD, ADHD, ODD, it goes on and on... BTW- ODD stands for "Oppositional Defiant Disorder"- these are just KIDS were talking about here! All kids can be ODD.).
For many parents it is ultimately "cool" to have a kid with a diagnosis... it lets them off the hook. It lets educators off the hook. How many of you went to primary school in the 70s and sat in a class of 30+ and were taught by a 60+ year old ex-nun with a two-year teaching certificate who had absolutely NO PROBLEM maintaining discipline in the classroom?
Aspergers IS relatively new as a *widespread* diagnosis- it is in essence a "disease of the week." After the inevitable backlash, we'll be having this discussion about some other "disorder" and Aspergers will be an odd footnote of early 21st Century child psychology.
(Like this isn't completely obvious) Commercial Aviation hasn't changed much either (since the late 50s).
I don't know if it is more reassuring that I'm flying in a 30+ year old plane that has a tried and true design. Or- is the plane old and ready to fall apart? I doubt many parts are even close to original these days anyway.
...especially if it is HARDWARE!
If a "mod chip" is all that it takes to play "pirated" software, maybe they need to take a look at their copy protection scheme...
My question is whether the "regional issue" involves pricing or something else? Are titles selling at a price commensurate with the local economy? Would Sony LOSE money if these titles were imported through the "grey market" ? Or are they trying to protect the distribution infrastructure of various countries?
Imagine the implications if a company like Sony used virtually NO copyprotection and sold an item at a reasonable price... might not the sheer increase in volume of sales off-set the marginal effects of piracy? People have a finite amount of money they spend on games, music, movies, whatever... and the price merely determines HOW MANY of these items you actually purchase (for a relatively honest consumer). The same companies receive the same amounts of money (it's not like there are that many companies involved).
Whenever people talk about how much money is LOST to piracy, I always am left thinking that the money was never there in the first place- that those "pirates" would never have purchased the item anyway... so protection does more to piss off honest consumers than to increase revenue. How many ordinary people actually take the time or effort to mod a console (or overclock a PC) ?
Finally, if this regional protection issue gets out of hand, we'll all be purchasing items that will eventually only play on one machine.
(or rather deja vu?) ... although wrapped in red-white-blue bunting.
Qwest was sued locally for taking their sweet time setting up DSL that was run through different ISPs (then sold all their ISP customers down the river to MSN). There have been all sorts of problems as well with local phone service that is provided by "competing" companies- which oddly all seem for business, not residential service.
I'm sitting here wondering (and unable to access the NYT story) if a utility carries any insurance for such disasters.
Finally, I'm morbidly amused at how airlines that were struggling BEFORE 911 have been (relatively) bailed out... while a local ad agency who's primary clients involve the travel industry had mass layoffs- no charitable aid for those employees (the ripple traveled far and wide).
The media has avoided talking politics or partisanship in their efforts to front a "unified America"- but Republicans have been longtime supporters of deregulation and corporate welfare. This is business as usual, but we all somehow feel better about it as we carpet bomb the Taliban (as if shady business practices are bin Laden's fault).
Paranoids everywhere....
I won't rehash the idea that a MS owned site might arguably use an MS log-in called Passport.
I won't rehash the notion that MS software CAN be activated by PHONE (many offices do not allow internet access to everyone... or people would be checking the status of the ebay aucions all day).
Sure MS *can* track a ton of info by using Passport... but the sheer volume of info would be overwhelming, and I doubt they possess the sophistication to present the info in any meaningful way... a few years ago they were practically using pen and paper in their accounting dept!
I don't use the Zone, don't use hotmail, use an ebay login rather than passport... big deal.
I set up a passport account several months ago for the hell of it (no CC info) and I find it very difficult to use. My usual user name was taken, it didn't like my password (so I had to use something I can never remember) and I found the entire experience to be less than "user friendly" and haven't used it since... big deal.
All this talk of privacy is bizarre... with my DSL with a static IP, it wouldn't take that much to determine who I am anyway... much less the fact that I'm also logged in... so what if I create an anonymous passport account?
I game at Westwood, and my login is compared to my game's serial number (in the event they ever need to bar me for inappropriate "game chat"). I'm guessing I could purchase a new game or purloin a serial number and set up a new ID should that ever occur... big deal- but it is a type of "authentication scheme."
It is paranoid to think passport will "take over the world"- most businesses have margins so tight they would not even consider paying MS a fee to use passport, and what user wants to pay a fee for the "convenience"- and certainly MS will eventually have their hand out for some sort of cut for whatever transactions occur using it. I seriously doubt your utility company is using MS for their billing, etc. Last I checked you can use pen and paper to automatically pay utilities by CC... they don't need MS or passport.
Somebody needs to develop a disposable (as in NOT attached to a personal account) and anonymous standard of microcurrency that can be electronically transmitted (the equivalent of old fashioned CASH). I know many old farts who still refuse to give CC info over the net (or make online purchases). The public at large (as in beyond slashdot) is more uncomfortable about all this than most people here give them credit (people may be sheep about using MS products, but not necessarily about giving out CC info). The general public, while stupid or misinformed at times, is very paranoid about security issues, viruses, etc... and like it or not, a subscription-based game service does require a financial transaction (which pretty much eliminates privacy for the average user).
Finally, back to the original topic... MS's migration to passport at the Zone was anything BUT smooth- not a good business example to use to sell the service to others. MS definitely does NOT have a monopoly on gaming or gamesites... There will ALWAYS be alternatives. MSN bought out my ISP- so I switched... a little inconvenience, but not a big deal.
"College Radio" ?? How many RIAA major label acts ARE there on "college radio" anyway?
An artist on a truly indie label or an artist with self-released material receives no compensation for radio play anyway (and much of college radio consists of this type of material).
The most ironic aspect of all is that we EASILY have the technology to track and pay the actual performers for either broadcast or webcast WITHOUT pooling the money the way the present system operates. We can arguably track even the number of LISTENERS of webcasts.
Perhaps this scenario will further a movement to create truly independent mechanisms for distributing and compensating artists/labels for material... that an alternative system will develop (that isn't ASCAP, BMI, RIAA, etc...). I doubt major label artists would feel much pain by NOT being included in college radio.
or make that old, old news....
First of all, there is more than one way to skin a cat... the production costs (as has already been pointed out) cited in the article are outrageous. No "new artist" receives this level of money unless it is a totally pre-fab act (the type that "fronts" for a producer).
As a musician, I've entered into several "licensing agreements"- which are either exclusive or non-exclusive rights to use my material on CDs or in soundtracks... granted I perform electronic music, where artist development is rather non-existent, but I write what I want to write, and if the label wants it, they pay me- simple as that. I owe them nothing, there is no advance, and I am responsible for all production costs (which I do myself anyway). A licensing agreement allows me to be on multiple labels at once. Granted I'm dealing with a niche market, and full-length electronic CDs are not exactly best-sellers, and there are a handful of touring acts in this genre- but -imagine if everyone operated in this manner, that the artist assumed the "risk" and directly reaped the rewards. Would we be listening to the Backstreet Boys, Brittany Spears, etc..?
It is old news that labels pay for placement on playlists and for video exposure... sure, the videos may be wrapped around the myth of a groundswell such as "Total Request Live"- but songs are "top 40" for good reason (and this is legal- NOT payola).
I seriously DOUBT that labels assume much risk at all with new artists. They have lower budgets, and labels often recoup money through overseas sales or tours. The risk comes with taking an AGING star such as Mr. Jagger, who sells less than a thousand copies of his solo venture on "opening day." Or the risk comes with a huge deal to lure a "star" with dubious appeal away from another label. Labels carefully hedge their bets by stripping away any artistic license from artists who are unknown quantities.
There were some jabs taken at retailers in this thread. I take issue: retailers are in an excellent position when selling music. There is practically NO RETURN POLICY and very little in the way of demoing a CD. If the CD sucks, "too bad!" Combine that with the fact that many folks want a song or two off an otherwise sucky CD and we see why Napster was what it was. This has less to do with the nature of digital media and more to do with marketing. If a record label actually added something of value to a CD (other than the music itself) maybe people would be less inclined to burn a copy of a friend's CD.
Finally, there are really only FOUR big labels in existence (if my memory serves me). This is as close to a monopoly as it gets. Try establishing a decent distribution and product placement network with your startup label, and you will quickly see what an uphill battle you face. There simply isn't room in retail outlets for all the tiny indie labels- yet you can find the entire Nazareth or Black Sabbath library at most retail stores?! It makes no sense.
There will always be top-40 radio. But changes in technology have drastically reduced production expenses for the do-it-yourselfers and small labels. I have hope that distribution will eventually be decentralized from the big four (who will likely dig their own hole as they try to show hi-res surround sound DVD audio down our throats by re-selling us the music we already own on CD). At the rate they are going, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to charge the consumer on a "per-play" basis in their own home! I can't help but feel that the high markups on CDs are there to punish us all for all those Napster tracks on our hard drives. You can buy a movie for about the save cost as a CD. Explain that one to me!
what are there, like maybe FIVE companies that control the recording industry? and like five more media conglomerates that control, say 85% of the airwaves.... ? You do the math... is anyone surprised. This has been a well known issue to anyone in the industry for years (obviously). It takes a "scandal" like this for it to resurface in the news. Don't worry. It will all be forgetten in a day or two.
A) if you buy a 'branded PC' they only bundle a recovery CD- so most real problems result in being told to reinstall everything- what a joke- at least 'warrantee tape' is almost extinct B) PDF "help" is not user friendly, and manuals are usually outdated, or cursory in nature C) challenge/response copyprotection... remembering those serial numbers (I usually write them on the discs... but I still have to find the disc).... hardware keys (dongles- yuck)... or HD keys (don't forget to remove them before switching boxes)- reinstalling to a new box is an enormous chore D) I had to change ISPs to get DSL a few yrs ago, then the company changed their name, thereby changing my email address... do you know how difficult it is to prove I am a registered user when I suddenly have a new email address? Don't people ever change their physical addresses? Is this any different? E) website knowledge base search engines generall suck, and if anyone has ever found what they need from a FAQ, let me know!