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Windows DRM patch surfaces after 3 days

By Justin Mann

On August 29, 2006, 8:23 PM

We're all used to waiting weeks or even months for Microsoft to fix critical security flaws. Often with 3rd-party patches being available before the official fix, Microsoft has often stated that time is needed to properly test patches to make sure they work in all environments. It's interesting, then, that it took them only three days to “patch” a function that allowed a program to strip DRM information from WMA files. The purpose of the stripping? Most likely, to let someone use it in any type of player or on any type of media they want. A very handy thing, that, especially if you've bought the music online or made it from a CD you own and want to move it somewhere else. Of course, with the chance that it could assist piracy, Microsoft released the update yesterday that prevents this from occurring.

It's good to know they have our best interests in mind when doing this. Or, could it be that they are making sure the road is paved for their soon to be released iPod rival?

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  1. August 30, 2006 7:02 AM
    slake said:
    Using third party patches is risky. I never use them. This patch is a different beast, hence it's "quick" release. I realy don't see the big problem people have with DRM. At least with MS you can choose your device and music store. Besides, I think people fail to understand that all you need to do is burn your music to a disc then rip it back down with any old ripper. Sure you loose the metadata but the DRM is gone if you really need it to be.
    Reply
  2. September 1, 2006 1:04 AM
    newbaficator007 said:
    better yet, there has to be a way to burn music to a virtual disc. is there such a way?
    Reply
  3. September 1, 2006 7:44 AM
    thrudd said:
    You guys miss the point - 3 days turn around for something that helps the MPIA (those who sue little old laddies and preschoolers).Anything that compromises the end user takes a couple of factors longer to implement - and that is usually slapdash and as bad or worse than the original problem.Rememebr SONY (chrrrt-ptou) and their DRM?
    Reply

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