Life without Windows or OS X

GNU/Linux is quite possibly the most important free software achievement since the original Space War, or, more recently, Emacs. It has developed into an operating system for business, education, and personal productivity. GNU/Linux is no longer only for UNIX wizards who sit for hours in front of a glowing console. Are you thinking about switching to Linux and want to learn how to use it? Have you been using GNU/Linux for some time and want to learn even more? This is the place for you.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Don't buy into a Monopoly.

Digital rights management (DRM) is the umbrella term referring to any of several technical methods used to handle the description, layering, analysis, valuation, trading and monitoring of the rights held over a digital work. In the widest possible sense, the term refers to any such management. Some digital media content publishers claim DRM technologies are necessary to prevent revenue loss due to illegal duplication of their copyrighted works. However, I would argue that transferring control of the use of media from consumers to a consolidated media industry will lead to loss of existing user rights and stifle innovation in software.
DRM can be owned...Linux users are barred from popular music services by Microsoft's unwillingness to license DRM to Linux companies. Therefore, most content obtained from online commercial sources such as Napster are out of reach. Microsoft is clearly trying to use their operating system monopoly to strong-arm control of the music industry and lock out competing Linux companies. If drm is to be used, shouldn't be open-source?
Recently RealNetworks' new business relationship with Microsoft is giving Rhapsody more exposure on the web. In coming weeks, Rhapsody will be added to the list of music providers in Microsoft's Windows Media Player program. The MSN division will also integrate Rhapsody into its search and messenger programs. Now Rhapsody wants to encourage Linux users to join their little service for a fee, however currently the web site does not allow Mac and Linux users to purchase and download music because it relies on the Windows Rhapsody client for that functionality.
Don't pay for this joke..streaming is one thing, downloading another and it remains a Windows-only affair, limiting Mac and Linux usage to streaming. For Mac users, at least, there seems little reason to switch from iTunes, which supports both untethered downloads and Internet radio. Furthermore, Napster requires users to pay an additional $.99 per each track to burn a track to CD. Songs bought through Napster cannot be played on iPods. What is wroung with this picture?
In conclusion, if there is a need for drm it should be open to any OS who wants to use it as it was meant to be used,

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