[olug] Non-Linux - DRM

[Sam Tetherow]

Bill Brush wrote:
> First a little background:
> 
> I recently got a TabletPC (Compaq) at work.  I confess that in spite of it
> running WinXP I really like it.  One of the apps I've found on it that I
> like is called Zinio reader.  It lets me read digital magazines in a format
> that very closely approximates an actual magazine, especially when combined
> with the portrait aspect of the tablet.
> 
> (Now the question:)
> 
> HOWEVER, I just had to re-install the reader to download some freebie
> magazines, and it installed some DRM components.  This concerns me what
> with all the press DRM has gotten and most of it has been, shall we say,
> somewhat unconcerned with personal privacy and rights.
> 
> Does anyone have any info on the DRM for this reader?  I don't mind
> companies protecting their property, but I do draw the line at them making
> my computer their "bitch".  This is one of the things I don't like about
> WinXP, but at least you can shut off most of it's spy modes.
> 
> Thanks!
> Bill
> 
> PS:  The Linux community needs to jump on this technology, especially the
> handwriting recognition.  The Windows version of this is good, but it's
> still in its infancy.  This is one area where Linux could start out even
> with MS.  IMO this form factor is going to evolve and supplant the other
> form-factors as PC's evolve into commoditzed appliances.

Have you looked at the various handwriting packages for linux?  I 
thought that they worked as well or better than WinCE's versions did 
(better mostly because you could actually modify the 'keystrokes' under 
Linux.


-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam Tetherow                           tetherow at nicusa.com
Director of Development
NIC Labs (PSSG)                        http://www.nicusa.com