It seems that all this furore over digitally copy protecting audio CDs is, as could have been expected, only really targeted at those that use Windows.

New Scientist Article, November 01

But, then it seems as though the CD's granddady is taking a dim view on all the goings-on.

New Scientist Article, January 02

Personally, I am of the opinion that no matter what they put in place to deter people from accessing audio CDs (and therefore ripping them), there will always be someone smarter around the corner to crack their deterant.

Your opinions?

OK, I know the links are a little old, but I only just came across them whilst looking for some inspiration for a presentation I've got to do on Monday.

Firstly they said that tapes couldn't be copied - as if.

Then they said that floppies couldn't be copied - as if.

Then it was cd's - you can see where this is going....

Anyway, my point is that I can never see cd's (or any media for that matter) ever being totally copy protected UNLESS there is some sort of huge global conspiracy to create something that is controlled by large companies and the government. But again - you will almost always have an underground movement that will be able to find loop holes, cracks etc...

Mind you - it is always possible to make protection harder to crack, just not possible to protect for life.

The annyoing thing is that is stops the genuine user from creating their own complication CDs (although, you're not really suppose to do that). Why can't they adopt the same method of DAT and mini-disc and use SCMS, although I guess present CD players or writers wouldn't understand it anyway.

Either way, I'm p***ed with it and can't want for someone on the web to write a hack program.

haha answer to this question is easy...
as long there is a source (sound, data etc.) it can be cracked..
if there will be a total crack system on it that won't be crackable -as if
then applications will rise that will record the songs from an external source (wired cd player) that will autodetect when a song stops and starts recording as track02.wav.

basically: as long there is source, it can be copied.

And as long as these people write their 'copy protection programs' to run under Windows only, those of us that use Linux can sleep easy.

I dont buy music or video DVD anymore, and I did end up cancelling my subscription services as well, just because of this issue.

As far as I am concerned, it is not their business what I choose to do with product I buy, so long as I dont give out copies free or charge for them. This is nothing more to them than a power trip, and doing this will only make many, many people mad, and therefor more determined than ever to crack their security.

Even Micro$oft agreement allows you to make a backup copy for archive purposes, although I have made more than that because I want to make sure I never have to buy their product because of a major screw up on my part.